The newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, NB.1.8.1, is an Omicron descendant lineage derived from the recombinant variant XDV.1.5.1.
The department spokesperson, Foster Mohale of the National Department of Health, said this new COVID-19 variant is being closely monitored.
He also said the department and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) are working closely to monitor and detect any possible infections in the country. Currently, no cases of the new variant have been reported in South Africa.
“There is no need for the public to panic, as current data on this COVID-19 variant does not suggest any increased public health risk. However, people are urged to remain vigilant at all times and continue to observe non-pharmaceutical interventions such as regular handwashing with soap and water, and sanitising hands and surfaces,” said Mohale.
Understanding the Implications of the COVID-19 Variant
He also said the NB.1.8.1 variant is increasing in prevalence globally, from 2.5% of sequences submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) in epidemiological March 32 to April 6 to 10.7% in epidemiological
As of May 18 2025, it has been detected in 22 countries, and has been associated with an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections in parts of Asia.
“Preliminary data indicate that the NB.1.8.1 variant has mutations in the spike protein that may increase the variant’s transmissibility and that result in marginal immune evasion compared to other currently circulating variants, such as LP.8.1. However, current data do not indicate that the NB.1.8.1 variant is associated with increased severity or different symptoms compared to other circulating lineages,” Mohale said
As of June 10, the NB.1.8.1 variant has not been detected in South Africa, although SARS-CoV-2 testing throughout the country is limited and few specimens are being submitted for sequencing. Data from the NICD’s respiratory illness syndromic surveillance programmes, which operate in selected public and private hospitals and outpatient facilities, show that the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections is currently low.
Currently, South Africa is seeing an increase in influenza cases due to the winter season. Individuals who are unwell with respiratory symptoms should practice regular hand washing, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid contact with people who may be at high risk of severe respiratory illness. The public is reminded to practice hand and respiratory hygiene (cover coughs and sneezes). Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants continues as part of national syndromic surveillance for respiratory illness and the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA).
