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Rachel V Thomas

Singapore Reports 12,700 COVID Cases: Know All About NB.1.8.1 Variant

Singapore is seeing a significant rise in <span>COVID-19</span> cases, driven by the NB.1.8.1 variant from the Omicron family, nicknamed “Nimbus”.

According to a statement from the Communicable Diseases Agency, the number of <span>COVID</span> cases in Singapore rose to 12,700 in the week of May 10 to May 16, compared with 8,000 in the previous week.

The country is also seeing a rise in the number of daily COVID hospitalizations — from 56 to 73 during the same period, with one case in the intensive care unit daily on average, the CDA said.

<h2>NB.1.8.1 Variant Driving COVID Surge: Should People Be Worried?</h2>

The NB.1.8.1 variant is currently the dominant strain circulating in Singapore and accounts for more than half of locally sequenced cases.

The CDA noted that people at extremes of age, such as those aged 60 years and above, including those staying in aged care facilities, and medically vulnerable people aged six months and above, are at increased risk of severe COVID infection and should stay updated with vaccinations.

Calling the increase a “periodic wave” of COVID that “is expected throughout the year”, the agency said it is monitoring the spike.

“There is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared with previously circulating variants,” it added. 

The CDA noted that the surge in cases may be due to waning population immunity, and stated that the currently available vaccine in the country continues to be effective for protection against this variant..

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/child-mortality-rates-in-us-saw-a-massive-6-6-rise-in-just-3-years-study-finds-article-154374410" data-type="tilCustomLink">Child Mortality Rates In US Saw A Massive 6.6% Rise In Just 3 Years, Study Finds</a>

NB.1.8.1 was first detected in January 2025. It is a “recombinant” variant, meaning it formed when two or more older variants mixed their genetic material.

On May 23, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified NB.1.8.1 as a “Variant Under Monitoring” (VUM). Scientists have identified changes in the virus that could affect how it spreads or infects people, although evidence is still evolving.

Previous laboratory studies also suggest the variant binds more tightly to human cells, indicating it may infect people more effectively than earlier variants.

People infected with NB.1.8.1 commonly report:

<ul><li>Sore throat</li><li>Cough</li><li>Fever</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Stuffy or runny nose</li></ul>

<ul><li>Nausea</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Mild cough</li><li>Nasal congestion</li></ul>

One unusual symptom linked to the variant is a severe “razor blade” sore throat, where people report sharp pain while swallowing food or beverages.

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/europe-sees-record-surge-in-gonorrhea-syphilis-cases-in-over-a-decade-ecdc-article-154370073" data-type="tilCustomLink">Europe Sees Record Surge In Gonorrhea, Syphilis Cases In Over A Decade: ECDC</a>

<h2>How To Protect Yourself From Severe COVID-19</h2>

Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness, especially for:

<ul><li>Older adults</li><li>Immunocompromised individuals</li><li>People with underlying medical conditions</li><li>Medically vulnerable individuals aged six months and above</li></ul> 

Authorities advised the public to continue basic preventive practices such as:

<ul><li>Washing hands regularly</li><li>Covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing</li><li>Wearing masks when symptomatic</li><li>Avoiding unnecessary social interactions when unwell.</li></ul>

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Singapore is seeing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, driven by the NB.1.8.1 variant from the Omicron family, nicknamed “Nimbus”.According to a statement from the Communicable Diseases Agency, the number of COVID cases in Singapore rose to 12,700 in the week of May 10 to May 16, compared with 8,000 in the previous week.The country is also seeing a rise in the number of daily COVID hospitalizations — from 56 to 73 during the same period, with one case in the intensive care unit daily on average, the CDA said.NB.1.8.1 Variant Driving COVID Surge: Should People Be Worried?The NB.1.8.1 variant is currently the dominant strain circulating in Singapore and accounts for more than half of locally sequenced cases.The CDA noted that people at extremes of age, such as those aged 60 years and above, including those staying in aged care facilities, and medically vulnerable people aged six months and above, are at increased risk of severe COVID infection and should stay updated with vaccinations.Calling the increase a “periodic wave” of COVID that “is expected throughout the year”, the agency said it is monitoring the spike.“There is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared with previously circulating variants,” it added. The CDA noted that the surge in cases may be due to waning population immunity, and stated that the currently available vaccine in the country continues to be effective for protection against this variant..Also read: Child Mortality Rates In US Saw A Massive 6.6% Rise In Just 3 Years, Study FindsAll About The NB.1.8.1 VariantNB.1.8.1 was first detected in January 2025. It is a “recombinant” variant, meaning it formed when two or more older variants mixed their genetic material.On May 23, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified NB.1.8.1 as a “Variant Under Monitoring” (VUM). Scientists have identified changes in the virus that could affect how it spreads or infects people, although evidence is still evolving.Previous laboratory studies also suggest the variant binds more tightly to human cells, indicating it may infect people more effectively than earlier variants.Symptoms Linked To NB.1.8.1People infected with NB.1.8.1 commonly report:Sore throatCoughFeverMuscle achesStuffy or runny noseSome patients also experience:NauseaDiarrhoeaFatigueMild coughNasal congestionOne unusual symptom linked to the variant is a severe “razor blade” sore throat, where people report sharp pain while swallowing food or beverages.Read More: Europe Sees Record Surge In Gonorrhea, Syphilis Cases In Over A Decade: ECDCHow To Protect Yourself From Severe COVID-19Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness, especially for:Older adultsImmunocompromised individualsPeople with underlying medical conditionsMedically vulnerable individuals aged six months and above Other Safety MeasuresAuthorities advised the public to continue basic preventive practices such as:Washing hands regularlyCovering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezingWearing masks when symptomaticAvoiding unnecessary social interactions when unwell.

singapore reports 12,700 covid cases: know all about nb.1.8.1 variant

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