Image Source: Agencies

June 9, 2025: On May 23, the WHO classified a new Omicron subvariant as a "Variant Under Monitoring" because of preliminary indications that it could spread more readily.
Hanoi: Between May 30 and June 6, 150 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. This is a little less than the previous week. Hanoi has reported 558 cases in total since the beginning of 2025. Compared to the same time last year, there are 109 fewer cases. People are being reminded by Hanoi's health officials to keep themselves updated on COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses.
In the meantime, India is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases once more. There are 5,364 active cases at the moment. Four deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours. In India, more than 4,700 people have recovered since January 1st, but 55 people have died in that time.
A new strain of the virus known as NB.1.8.1 is the primary cause of the surge in India. This is an Omicron type. The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong are among the countries where this variant has been detected.

January 2025 saw the first sighting of NB.1.8.1. Being a "recombinant" variant, it was produced by combining the genetic material of two or more older variants.
In the meantime, COVID-In India, 19 cases are rising once more. There are 5,364 active cases at the moment. Four deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours. In India, more than 4,700 people have recovered since January 1st, but 55 people have died in that time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated NB.1.8.1 a "Variant Under Monitoring" (VUM) on May 23, 2025. Researchers observe alterations in the virus that could impact its ability to spread or infect humans. Although it hasn't been verified yet, early indications point to the possibility that it might spread more readily than other variants.
According to lab tests, NB.1.8.1 binds to human cells more firmly than previous variants, which may increase its ability to infect humans.

NB.1.8.1 infections typically cause sore throats, coughs, fevers, muscle aches, and runny or stuffy noses. Some people also get nausea or diarrhea.

Health experts stress that COVID-19 vaccines are still effective in spite of this new variation. Vaccines still offer a high level of protection against contracting the virus, becoming seriously ill, needing hospitalization, and dying from COVID-19.