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Riya Baibhawi

New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Has Been Circulating Across US Since March, Officials Confirm

New <span>COVID-19</span> variant known as NB.1.8.1 is drawing global attention, particularly among public health officials in the United States. Although this variant has been circulating in the US since late March, there is currently no indication of a significant increase in infections. This comes as there has been a resurgence of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/coronavirus">coronavirus</a></span> across the world. 

According to the most recent data, the positivity rate for <span>COVID</span> swabs, which reflects the proportion of tests returning positive, has actually declined by 12 per cent in the latest week of available figures. This decline suggests that while the new variant is present, it has not triggered a broader surge in cases.

The <span>US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention</span> (CDC) receives data on emerging variants through a traveler-based surveillance program at select airports. Operated in partnership with biotechnology firm Ginkgo Bioworks, the initiative allows international travellers to voluntarily provide nasal swabs and complete a brief health survey. The samples are then screened for a range of infectious diseases, including Covid-19.

Between April 22 and May 12, several cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant were identified through this program. Although the numbers remain low, experts are keeping a close watch on the strain due to its rapid spread in parts of Asia and its growing dominance in China.

Taiwan is one country seeing a marked impact from the variant. The island recently reported over 19,000 healthcare visits for COVID-related symptoms in a single week. Local health authorities confirmed that NB.1.8.1 is now the dominant strain circulating in the country. Early laboratory studies from China suggest that the NB.1.8.1 variant may have enhanced ability to bind to human cells, which could potentially make it more infectious than previous strains.

Public health officials in Hong Kong have responded to the variant's emergence by advising high-risk individuals to wear masks in public places and urging all residents to use face coverings while on public transportation or in crowded areas.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently convened a meeting to assess potential updates to COVID-19 vaccines. While the current vaccines are designed to protect against the JN.1 variant and its offshoots, NB.1.8.1 was discussed during the session due to its international spread and evolving characteristics.

The dominant variant in the US remains LP.8.1, a descendant of JN.1. However, only one strain — known as XFC — has shown noticeable growth in the country so far, according to updates shared by the CDC and FDA during the meeting. Although NB.1.8.1 has yet to cause widespread concern domestically, health experts continue to monitor its trajectory. Vigilance remains key, particularly as global travel increases and variants can quickly cross borders. 

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New COVID-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1 is drawing global attention, particularly among public health officials in the United States. Although this variant has been circulating in the US since late March, there is currently no indication of a significant increase in infections. This comes as there has been a resurgence of coronavirus across the world. According to the most recent data, the positivity rate for COVID swabs, which reflects the proportion of tests returning positive, has actually declined by 12 per cent in the latest week of available figures. This decline suggests that while the new variant is present, it has not triggered a broader surge in cases.The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives data on emerging variants through a traveler-based surveillance program at select airports. Operated in partnership with biotechnology firm Ginkgo Bioworks, the initiative allows international travellers to voluntarily provide nasal swabs and complete a brief health survey. The samples are then screened for a range of infectious diseases, including Covid-19.Between April 22 and May 12, several cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant were identified through this program. Although the numbers remain low, experts are keeping a close watch on the strain due to its rapid spread in parts of Asia and its growing dominance in China.Taiwan is one country seeing a marked impact from the variant. The island recently reported over 19,000 healthcare visits for COVID-related symptoms in a single week. Local health authorities confirmed that NB.1.8.1 is now the dominant strain circulating in the country. Early laboratory studies from China suggest that the NB.1.8.1 variant may have enhanced ability to bind to human cells, which could potentially make it more infectious than previous strains.Public health officials in Hong Kong have responded to the variant's emergence by advising high-risk individuals to wear masks in public places and urging all residents to use face coverings while on public transportation or in crowded areas.In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently convened a meeting to assess potential updates to COVID-19 vaccines. While the current vaccines are designed to protect against the JN.1 variant and its offshoots, NB.1.8.1 was discussed during the session due to its international spread and evolving characteristics.The dominant variant in the US remains LP.8.1, a descendant of JN.1. However, only one strain — known as XFC — has shown noticeable growth in the country so far, according to updates shared by the CDC and FDA during the meeting. Although NB.1.8.1 has yet to cause widespread concern domestically, health experts continue to monitor its trajectory. Vigilance remains key, particularly as global travel increases and variants can quickly cross borders. 

new covid variant nb.1.8.1 has been circulating across us since march, officials confirm

Ishita Roy

Baby food recalled

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While in the cases of listeria and other food-related diseases, products are recalled. In another news, supermarket chain Publix has issued a recall for its Greenwise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach &amp; Pea <span>Baby Food</span> pouches after routine product testing detected elevated levels of lead, federal health officials announced. The affected items were sold across eight states in more than 1,400 Publix stores.

The 4-ounce baby food pouches, manufactured by Bowman Andros—a French company with a production facility in Mount Jackson, Virginia—were voluntarily recalled by Publix on May 9. However, the recall wasn’t listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website until late Thursday.

Testing by North Carolina officials—the same team that first discovered a widespread 2023 lead contamination in applesauce pouches—detected 13.4 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in the product. This exceeds the FDA's recommended limit of 10 ppb for food consumed by infants and young children.

While no health issues have been reported in connection with this product, Publix has removed all possibly contaminated pouches from store shelves. Customers are encouraged to return them for a full refund.

This is the second recall in two months involving baby food pouches due to lead contamination. In March, Target recalled over 25,000 units of its Good &amp; Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale &amp; Thyme Vegetable Puree for the same reason.

North Carolina continues to partner with the FDA to conduct routine food safety testing. The state played a key role in the 2023 lead poisoning investigation involving WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, which was linked to over 500 cases of illness across 44 states. Those pouches contained lead levels up to 2,000 times the FDA’s safety limit and were found to contain chromium as well.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led the response during that outbreak, identifying 566 confirmed, probable, or suspected cases. However, the CDC’s childhood lead poisoning prevention program was cut in April during federal budget reductions under the Trump administration. A CDC spokesperson confirmed the agency is aware of the Publix recall but has not been asked to investigate.

According to the CDC, no level of lead exposure is safe, especially for children. Lead can cause serious neurological and developmental damage, including learning disabilities and delayed growth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that heavy metals like lead can enter food through soil, water, air, or industrial contamination, making rigorous safety checks critical for baby food products.

Recently, to ensure that baby foods are produced ensuring the safety procedures, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have now begun a comprehensive review of the nutritional value of infant formula. This program by the agencies is dubbed as Operation Stork Speed.

This operation aims to review the nutrient content of infant formula. How will it be done? The agencies will increase testing for heavy metals and contaminants in the formula. The agencies will also encourage companies to develop new formulas, and clarify ways to better inform consumers about their ingredients.

The individual nutrient requirements for infant formula are already reviewed at regular intervals, however, this will be the first comprehensive review since 1998.

As part of Operation Stork Speed, the FDA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public input on the nutritional composition of infant formula. 

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While in the cases of listeria and other food-related diseases, products are recalled. In another news, supermarket chain Publix has issued a recall for its Greenwise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food pouches after routine product testing detected elevated levels of lead, federal health officials announced. The affected items were sold across eight states in more than 1,400 Publix stores.What Prompted the Recall?The 4-ounce baby food pouches, manufactured by Bowman Andros—a French company with a production facility in Mount Jackson, Virginia—were voluntarily recalled by Publix on May 9. However, the recall wasn’t listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website until late Thursday.Testing by North Carolina officials—the same team that first discovered a widespread 2023 lead contamination in applesauce pouches—detected 13.4 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in the product. This exceeds the FDA's recommended limit of 10 ppb for food consumed by infants and young children.No Reported Illnesses YetWhile no health issues have been reported in connection with this product, Publix has removed all possibly contaminated pouches from store shelves. Customers are encouraged to return them for a full refund.This is the second recall in two months involving baby food pouches due to lead contamination. In March, Target recalled over 25,000 units of its Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree for the same reason.A Wider ConcernNorth Carolina continues to partner with the FDA to conduct routine food safety testing. The state played a key role in the 2023 lead poisoning investigation involving WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, which was linked to over 500 cases of illness across 44 states. Those pouches contained lead levels up to 2,000 times the FDA’s safety limit and were found to contain chromium as well.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led the response during that outbreak, identifying 566 confirmed, probable, or suspected cases. However, the CDC’s childhood lead poisoning prevention program was cut in April during federal budget reductions under the Trump administration. A CDC spokesperson confirmed the agency is aware of the Publix recall but has not been asked to investigate.Why Lead Is DangerousAccording to the CDC, no level of lead exposure is safe, especially for children. Lead can cause serious neurological and developmental damage, including learning disabilities and delayed growth.The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that heavy metals like lead can enter food through soil, water, air, or industrial contamination, making rigorous safety checks critical for baby food products.Recently, to ensure that baby foods are produced ensuring the safety procedures, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have now begun a comprehensive review of the nutritional value of infant formula. This program by the agencies is dubbed as Operation Stork Speed.This operation aims to review the nutrient content of infant formula. How will it be done? The agencies will increase testing for heavy metals and contaminants in the formula. The agencies will also encourage companies to develop new formulas, and clarify ways to better inform consumers about their ingredients.The individual nutrient requirements for infant formula are already reviewed at regular intervals, however, this will be the first comprehensive review since 1998.As part of Operation Stork Speed, the FDA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public input on the nutritional composition of infant formula. 

baby food pouches recalled due to elevated lead levels

IIIT-Delhi, French Team Develop AI Tool To Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

IIIT-Delhi, French Team Develop AI Tool to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

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In a promising step towards tackling the global health crisis of <span>antimicrobial resistance</span> (AMR), researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), India, and Inria Saclay, France, have developed a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tool. This new system is designed to help clinicians identify effective treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections by repurposing existing antibiotics, potentially transforming infection management worldwide.

<span>Antimicrobial</span> resistance occurs when <span>bacteria</span> evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making once-effective drugs useless. This growing issue threatens to turn minor infections like urinary tract infections or pneumonia into life-threatening conditions. The problem is especially severe in low- and middle-income countries, where over 70% of hospital-acquired infections are resistant to at least one widely used antibiotic.

Adding to the challenge is the slow pace of antibiotic development. Creating a new drug often takes over ten years and involves substantial financial investment. As a result, scientists and clinicians are increasingly looking to drug repurposing—finding new uses for existing medications—as a faster, more cost-effective solution.

To support this strategy, a team led by Dr. Emilie Chouzenoux from Inria Saclay and Dr. Angshul Majumdar from IIIT-Delhi has developed a hybrid machine learning algorithm that can recommend treatment alternatives for resistant infections. Other key team members include research engineer Stuti Jain and graduate students Kriti Kumar and Sayantika Chatterjee.

What sets this tool apart is its unique blend of clinical and molecular data. Instead of relying solely on rigid databases or predefined rules, the AI model learns from real-world treatment guidelines provided by top Indian hospitals. It then integrates this information with bacterial genomic data and the chemical structures of antibiotics to identify effective, lesser-known alternatives.

The AI system was tested on several challenging pathogens known for their resistance to treatment:

<ul><li>Klebsiella pneumoniae, which causes hospital-acquired pneumonia and bloodstream infections</li><li>Neisseria gonorrhoeae, responsible for gonorrhea, which is increasingly difficult to treat</li><li>Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis</li></ul>

In each case, the AI tool successfully recommended antibiotics that had either proven effectiveness or strong potential for repurposing. These results were validated by resistance data and clinical experts.

<h4>A Global Solution for a Global Problem</h4>

“This is an excellent example of how AI and international collaboration can come together to solve real-world medical challenges,” said Dr. Majumdar. He added that this approach makes better use of existing medical knowledge and enables quicker, smarter responses to the AMR crisis.

Designed for scalability, the AI system can be integrated into hospital networks or public health programs, especially in settings with limited diagnostic tools. It not only aids in timely treatment decisions but also supports responsible antibiotic use.

By linking clinical expertise with molecular science, this innovation marks a significant leap in the global fight against AMR—showcasing how collaborative, data-driven technologies can pave the way for better healthcare solutions.

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AI tool to beat antimicrobial resistance

In a promising step towards tackling the global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), India, and Inria Saclay, France, have developed a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tool. This new system is designed to help clinicians identify effective treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections by repurposing existing antibiotics, potentially transforming infection management worldwide.Understanding the Threat of AMRAntimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making once-effective drugs useless. This growing issue threatens to turn minor infections like urinary tract infections or pneumonia into life-threatening conditions. The problem is especially severe in low- and middle-income countries, where over 70% of hospital-acquired infections are resistant to at least one widely used antibiotic.Adding to the challenge is the slow pace of antibiotic development. Creating a new drug often takes over ten years and involves substantial financial investment. As a result, scientists and clinicians are increasingly looking to drug repurposing—finding new uses for existing medications—as a faster, more cost-effective solution.How the AI Tool WorksTo support this strategy, a team led by Dr. Emilie Chouzenoux from Inria Saclay and Dr. Angshul Majumdar from IIIT-Delhi has developed a hybrid machine learning algorithm that can recommend treatment alternatives for resistant infections. Other key team members include research engineer Stuti Jain and graduate students Kriti Kumar and Sayantika Chatterjee.What sets this tool apart is its unique blend of clinical and molecular data. Instead of relying solely on rigid databases or predefined rules, the AI model learns from real-world treatment guidelines provided by top Indian hospitals. It then integrates this information with bacterial genomic data and the chemical structures of antibiotics to identify effective, lesser-known alternatives.Tested Against Deadly PathogensThe AI system was tested on several challenging pathogens known for their resistance to treatment:Klebsiella pneumoniae, which causes hospital-acquired pneumonia and bloodstream infectionsNeisseria gonorrhoeae, responsible for gonorrhea, which is increasingly difficult to treatMycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosisIn each case, the AI tool successfully recommended antibiotics that had either proven effectiveness or strong potential for repurposing. These results were validated by resistance data and clinical experts.A Global Solution for a Global Problem“This is an excellent example of how AI and international collaboration can come together to solve real-world medical challenges,” said Dr. Majumdar. He added that this approach makes better use of existing medical knowledge and enables quicker, smarter responses to the AMR crisis.Designed for scalability, the AI system can be integrated into hospital networks or public health programs, especially in settings with limited diagnostic tools. It not only aids in timely treatment decisions but also supports responsible antibiotic use.By linking clinical expertise with molecular science, this innovation marks a significant leap in the global fight against AMR—showcasing how collaborative, data-driven technologies can pave the way for better healthcare solutions.

iiit-delhi, french team develop ai tool to tackle antimicrobial resistance

India Logs Rise In New Covid Cases: Here's All You Need To Know

India Logs Rise In New Covid Cases

Does A Better Alternative to Covid-19 Vaccine Exist? Here's What You Need To Know

does a better alternative to covid-19 vaccine exist? here's what you need to know

The new variant of COVID-19 has hit parts of Asia, cases have surged in Hong Kong and Singapore, and Thailand too has reported new cases. Amid all this, in India too, health authorities are monitoring the cases closely. While the numbers remain low, as compared to previous wave of COVID-19, certain Indian cities have reported low, but significant surge in infections.

Two mild cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Gurgaon— a 62-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both recently returned from Mumbai. District health officials, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alka Singh, assured that there’s no reason for alarm as both are in home isolation and recovering well.

“This is now an endemic. Many with symptoms may test positive, but there’s no cause for panic,” Dr. Singh told reporters on Thursday.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old security guard from Faridabad tested positive at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital during treatment for similar symptoms. None of the three individuals have recent foreign travel history or contact with known Covid-positive persons. Variant identification is pending further lab testing.

In May, Mumbai has reported 95 new cases of COVID-19. This has put the state's total number to 106 since January. The data is corroborated by the Maharashtra Health Department. 

Currently, at least 16 people are hospitalized, and most have been shifted from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to curb the transmission. Authorities have also increased testing all patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) or with severe cute respiratory infection (SARI). The same patients are now being tested for COVID-19. 

Pune too is on high alert, though there are no active cases at the moment. The municipal officials have reserved 50 beds at Naidu Hospital as a precautionary measure. Dr Nina Borade, who is the health chief at Pune Municipal Corporation said, "We had only one patient in May - an 87-year-old from Manjari - who has since fully recovered," as reported by TOI.

Dr Borade also noted that tests are not being conducted at any civic hospitals, however, the guidelines will be updated, as and when it is required. 

There has been a surge in cases in Tamil Nadu, with 12 new COVID-19 cases being reported in Puducherry. In Chennai too, doctors have reported a shift where fevers which were previously linked with influenza are now being linked to COVID-19. 

There is also a rise of COVID-19 cases among viral cases, and many of the patients who may have been diagnosed with influenza A or B, are now being checked for COVID-19 cases. 

TOI reported that the public health director Dr TS Selvavinayagam has told the public to not panic, however, he has urged them to remain cautious when in crowded spaces. 

At this moment, Karnataka has confirmed 16 active cases of COVID-19. The data is corroborated by the state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

<strong>ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/covid-cases-surge-in-singapore-what-do-we-know-about-the-new-variant-on-the-loose-article-151670632" data-type="tilCustomLink"> Covid Cases Surge In Singapore: What Do We Know About The New Variant On The Loose?</a></strong> 

Seven cases as of now are detected in Ahmedabad. All these cases were detected on a single day, which made the city to witness an unusual spike in just one day, that has averaged just one cases per month over the past year. 

The 7 patients are kept in home isolation, and authorities have sent their samples for genomic testing. 

The state health officials on Thursday confirmed that among the 15 active cases in Gujarat, all of them are milder Omicron JN.1 variant. 

As per the Ministry of Health, Singapore, the spike in cases is attributed to the new variant which may be on the loose - LF.7 and NB.1.8. These two are descendants of the JN.1 variant.

The cases have also spiked in Hong Kong. Thus Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said that the rising COVID activity reached a 1-year high and have urged people to take precautions and receive an initial dose of COVID vaccine as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Health, Singapore, informed, ""LF.7 and NB.1.8 are the main Covid-19 variants circulating in Signapore." They are the descendants of the JN.1 variant that is used in COVID-19 vaccines.

<h4>What are The Symptoms Of This New Variant?</h4>

The symptoms which are associated with this current Covid wave are a bit different from what we have seen before. While cough and sore throat are there, the symptoms also include nausea, vomiting, brain fog, and conjunctivitis.

The symptoms however are mild. The experts have for now asked people to monitor their health and seek medical attention in case it is required.

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The new variant of COVID-19 has hit parts of Asia, cases have surged in Hong Kong and Singapore, and Thailand too has reported new cases. Amid all this, in India too, health authorities are monitoring the cases closely. While the numbers remain low, as compared to previous wave of COVID-19, certain Indian cities have reported low, but significant surge in infections.Two mild cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Gurgaon— a 62-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both recently returned from Mumbai. District health officials, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alka Singh, assured that there’s no reason for alarm as both are in home isolation and recovering well.“This is now an endemic. Many with symptoms may test positive, but there’s no cause for panic,” Dr. Singh told reporters on Thursday.Meanwhile, a 28-year-old security guard from Faridabad tested positive at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital during treatment for similar symptoms. None of the three individuals have recent foreign travel history or contact with known Covid-positive persons. Variant identification is pending further lab testing. MaharashtraIn May, Mumbai has reported 95 new cases of COVID-19. This has put the state's total number to 106 since January. The data is corroborated by the Maharashtra Health Department. Currently, at least 16 people are hospitalized, and most have been shifted from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to curb the transmission. Authorities have also increased testing all patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) or with severe cute respiratory infection (SARI). The same patients are now being tested for COVID-19. Pune too is on high alert, though there are no active cases at the moment. The municipal officials have reserved 50 beds at Naidu Hospital as a precautionary measure. Dr Nina Borade, who is the health chief at Pune Municipal Corporation said, "We had only one patient in May - an 87-year-old from Manjari - who has since fully recovered," as reported by TOI.Dr Borade also noted that tests are not being conducted at any civic hospitals, however, the guidelines will be updated, as and when it is required. Tamil NaduThere has been a surge in cases in Tamil Nadu, with 12 new COVID-19 cases being reported in Puducherry. In Chennai too, doctors have reported a shift where fevers which were previously linked with influenza are now being linked to COVID-19. There is also a rise of COVID-19 cases among viral cases, and many of the patients who may have been diagnosed with influenza A or B, are now being checked for COVID-19 cases. TOI reported that the public health director Dr TS Selvavinayagam has told the public to not panic, however, he has urged them to remain cautious when in crowded spaces. KarnatakaAt this moment, Karnataka has confirmed 16 active cases of COVID-19. The data is corroborated by the state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.ALSO READ: Covid Cases Surge In Singapore: What Do We Know About The New Variant On The Loose? GujaratSeven cases as of now are detected in Ahmedabad. All these cases were detected on a single day, which made the city to witness an unusual spike in just one day, that has averaged just one cases per month over the past year. The 7 patients are kept in home isolation, and authorities have sent their samples for genomic testing. The state health officials on Thursday confirmed that among the 15 active cases in Gujarat, all of them are milder Omicron JN.1 variant. Singapore And Hong KongAs per the Ministry of Health, Singapore, the spike in cases is attributed to the new variant which may be on the loose - LF.7 and NB.1.8. These two are descendants of the JN.1 variant.The cases have also spiked in Hong Kong. Thus Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said that the rising COVID activity reached a 1-year high and have urged people to take precautions and receive an initial dose of COVID vaccine as soon as possible.The Ministry of Health, Singapore, informed, ""LF.7 and NB.1.8 are the main Covid-19 variants circulating in Signapore." They are the descendants of the JN.1 variant that is used in COVID-19 vaccines.What are The Symptoms Of This New Variant?The symptoms which are associated with this current Covid wave are a bit different from what we have seen before. While cough and sore throat are there, the symptoms also include nausea, vomiting, brain fog, and conjunctivitis.The symptoms however are mild. The experts have for now asked people to monitor their health and seek medical attention in case it is required.

india logs rise in new covid cases: here's all you need to know

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New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Has Been Circulating Across US Since March, Officials Confirm

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Baby Food Pouches Recalled Due To Elevated Lead Levels

IIIT-Delhi, French Team Develop AI Tool To Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

India Logs Rise In New Covid Cases: Here's All You Need To Know

Health Conditions A-Z

Baby Food Pouches Recalled Due To Elevated Lead Levels

New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Has Been Circulating Across US Since March, Officials Confirm

This Ayurvedic Herb Can Enhance Libido, Ease Menopausal Symptoms And Much More