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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Ontario is currently facing an outbreak of canine parvovirus (CPV), which has led to spikes in online searches on more information on the dog disease.

Expert Tracy Fisher, a veterinarian from Regina and the president-elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, told CTVNews.ca that the frequency of cases varies every year. The expert has also commented that the prominence of CPV in Canada is common and persistent. The outbreak had made headlines earlier this summer in London too.

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What is Canine Parvovirus?

PetMD notes that CPV is the most serious virus that dogs and puppies can get. However, the silver lining here is that it is preventable with proper vaccination, though it is still widely prevalent, especially in puppies and poorly vaccinated adolescent dogs.

DVM Ellen Malmanger writes that CPV is an infectious DNA virus that commonly causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs. It also affects the body's rapidly dividing cells. This means the intestinal tract and bone marrow are usually the most affected.

As per the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA)'s Canadian division, CPV first appeared in dogs in 1978. “The virus that causes this disease is similar to feline panleukopenia (feline distemper); the two diseases are almost identical,” the website for VCA Canada, a network of animal hospitals, says. “However, that has never been scientifically proven.”

VCA Canada notes that primary source of infection is through the ingestion of the feces of already-infected dogs. It can be easily transmitted through contact with the hair or feet of infected dogs or with objects contaminated by the infected feces.

According to VCA Canada, the virus initially targets the animal's tonsils or lymph nodes, where it infects lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell. These infected cells then spread the virus throughout the body, reaching areas such as the bone marrow and the intestinal lining.

Can You Touch A Dog With Parvo?

Humans cannot get parvo from dogs. Parvovirus is species-specific and so the strain that affects dogs, known as CPV cannot infect humans. However, humans can contact similar virus from contaminated surfaces, such as Norovirus, but there is no risk of acquiring parvo from dogs.

What Is Human Parvovirus?

The human parvovirus is different, and is caused by the B19 strain. It was first discovered in 1974 during evaluation and testing for hepatitis B, and was later named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses in 1985.

Parvovirus B19 is a common and often overlooked infection that spreads from person to person. While it’s not widely talked about, it’s more widespread than most people think — in fact, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have had it at some point in their lives.

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What makes it tricky to spot is that most people don’t even realize they’ve been infected. The virus rarely causes symptoms, and when it does, they tend to be mild. It’s usually only people with weakened immune systems — where the body’s natural defense isn’t working as it should — who may experience more noticeable effects. That’s because parvovirus B19 can temporarily interfere with the body’s ability to make red blood cells.

Anyone can catch the virus, regardless of age or ethnicity. But those most at risk include individuals with immune system issues or conditions that affect red blood cell production. Children are also more likely to get infected, but in most cases, they don’t show any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they’re generally mild and manageable.

London is currently dealing with a serious lung sickness called Legionnaires' disease. So far, one person has died, and more than 40 people have gotten sick in just the past week. The Middlesex-London Health Unit has announced this as an outbreak.

The Health Unit UK is working closely with provincial health groups to find out where this sickness started. This involves taking samples from different cooling systems, which can take some time. Officials know people are eager to find the source, and they are too, but they don't have an exact location yet. Teams are busy collecting water samples and swabs from cooling systems. They'll then compare these to samples from the sick people, hoping to find a common source.

Normally, only a few cases of Legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease, are reported each month. However, the number suddenly jumped to 43 new cases, which is why the outbreak was declared. Health officials think the recent warm weather probably played a role in this increase, as the number of cases was much higher than what they usually see at this time of year.

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What is Legionnaires' Disease?

The National Health Services UK explains that Legionnaires' disease is caused by tiny bugs called Legionella bacteria. These bugs are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large pipes, and parts of air conditioning systems.

It's important to understand that this sickness does not spread from person to person. People get sick when they breathe in tiny drops of water or mist that contain these bacteria. Most people who are exposed to the bacteria don't get sick, but some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac fever.

Legionnaires Outbreak: Where Is This Bacteria Found?

Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and parts of air-conditioning systems. People get sick if these bacteria become airborne as mist (from wind or fans) and are then inhaled.

Most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, though some might get a milder, flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever, which usually goes away on its own. People who are older, have lung problems, or have weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of getting a serious infection. It's important to remember that Legionella does not spread from person to person.

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Legionnaires Outbreak: Important Health Guidelines to Follow

If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention right away.

The Health Unit asks all business owners and property managers to make sure their cooling equipment is regularly maintained and cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the best way to prevent future outbreaks. The Middlesex-London Health Unit also listed some commonly asked questions regarding the disease,

Legionnaires Outbreak: Will Masks Help?

While face masks can reduce your risk of getting respiratory illnesses, including Legionella, the general public's risk for Legionnaires' disease is currently low. Because of this, the Health Unit is not recommending widespread community masks to use specifically to prevent this disease.

Legionella bacteria can spread over a large area through the air. The exact source of this current outbreak hasn't been found yet. At this time, it's not known if this outbreak is from the same location as last year's Legionella outbreak. However, this possibility is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation.

Weld County officials announced on July 7 that mosquito samples collected from two of the county’s three designated trap zones have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The affected areas include Greeley, Evans, Kersey, and LaSalle (Zone One), as well as Johnstown, Milliken, and Platteville (Zone Two).

Mosquitoes from the third trap zone—covering Firestone, Dacono, and Fort Lupton—tested negative for the virus.

Though no human cases have been reported in the county so far this year, health officials are warning residents to be prepared. With the arrival of hotter temperatures in July and August, Culex mosquitoes—the primary carriers of WNV—become more active and more numerous.

“A Permanent Summer Presence”

Jason Chessher, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department, emphasized the seasonal nature of the virus. “The increasing hot weather often leads to favorable conditions for the Culex mosquito that carries West Nile Virus,” he said. “The public needs to be vigilant, because West Nile Virus has a permanent summer presence in Colorado.”

What Are The Risks?

Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but those who do may begin to feel unwell three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes a rash.

While these symptoms may resemble the flu, WNV can lead to more serious complications in some cases, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV, which makes prevention especially important. Weld County health authorities recommend seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms arise.

Steps to Stay Safe

Health experts advise residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and virus transmission. These include:

• Eliminate standing water around your home, such as in birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, or pet bowls, as these are prime mosquito breeding grounds.

• Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol.

• Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are outside during these peak hours.

Cases In The Past and Present

Colorado saw a significant spike in WNV cases in 2023, recording 631 infections, 398 hospitalizations, and 51 deaths—the highest in the country that year. In contrast, 2024 has been comparatively mild, with just 76 reported cases statewide, 24 hospitalizations, and no fatalities to date.

Still, with Culex mosquito populations on the rise, officials say it’s crucial not to let your guard down. Weld County will continue monitoring mosquito activity closely and urges the community to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus this summer.