NewKerala.com

Key Points

Vietnam's capital Hanoi has reported 150 new Covid-19 cases in the past week, marking a slight decrease from previous periods. A new coronavirus variant, NB.1.8.1, has emerged and is being monitored by global health organizations for its potential transmission characteristics. The variant, first identified in January 2025, is a recombinant strain with possible increased cellular infection capabilities. Despite the new variant, health experts remain optimistic about vaccine effectiveness in preventing severe illness.

Key Points: Hanoi Covid Cases Drop While NB.1.8.1 Variant Emerges

  • Hanoi sees 558 Covid infections in 2025, slight decrease from previous year
  • New NB.1.8.1 variant classified as Variant Under Monitoring
  • WHO tracking potential increased transmission characteristics
  • Common symptoms include sore throat, fever, muscle aches
2 min read

Vietnam's capital reports 150 new Covid-19 cases in past week

Hanoi reports 150 new Covid cases, WHO monitors new NB.1.8.1 variant with potential increased transmission risks

"Vaccines continue to offer strong protection against infection - Health Experts"

Hanoi, June 9

Vietnamese capital Hanoi confirmed 150 new Covid-19 cases in the city from May 30 to June 6, slightly down from the previous week, reports said.

Since the beginning of 2025, the capital city has recorded 558 infections, a decrease of 109 cases compared to the same period last year, the report said.

The Hanoi Centre for Disease Control has requested local units to strengthen public communication on Covid-19 and other seasonal diseases, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Vietnam News Agency.

Meanwhile, Covid cases are once again on the rise in India, with 5,364 active cases currently reported and four deaths recorded in the last 24 hours.

Since January 1, more than 4,700 people in India have recovered from the virus, while 55 fatalities have been reported during this period.

The primary driver of the recent surge is a new coronavirus variant known as NB.1.8.1, a subvariant of Omicron. This strain has been detected in several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong.

NB.1.8.1 was first identified in January 2025 and is classified as a "recombinant" variant—meaning it emerged through the genetic mixing of two or more previous strains.

On May 23, 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated NB.1.8.1 as a "Variant Under Monitoring" (VUM). According to the WHO’s 2023 definition, a VUM is a variant that has undergone genetic changes that may affect the virus’s characteristics. Early data suggests that NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily or grow faster than other variants, though this has yet to be confirmed.

The impact of NB.1.8.1 on health, immunity, and transmission is still being studied. However, lab-based models indicate that the strain binds more efficiently to human cell receptors, suggesting it may infect cells more effectively than earlier variants.

Common symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 include sore throat, cough, fever, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Some patients also report gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea.

Despite the emergence of this new strain, health experts emphasise that vaccines continue to offer strong protection against infection, severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Vietnam's numbers seem under control compared to India's situation. Our health authorities should learn from their communication strategies. Last time we had a surge, misinformation spread like wildfire on WhatsApp. Need better public awareness campaigns!
P
Priya M.
Another variant? 😷 When will this end! At least vaccines are still effective. Everyone please get your booster shots - especially elders in the family. My nani got hers last week at the municipal hospital, no side effects 🙏
A
Amit S.
Interesting to see how Vietnam is handling it better than us despite being our neighbor. We share borders with China where these variants often emerge first. Maybe we need stronger border health screening like Vietnam does?
S
Sunita R.
The gastrointestinal symptoms are worrying! Many Indian households share toilets - this could spread fast in slums and villages. Government should distribute ORS packets and hygiene kits in vulnerable areas as precaution.
V
Vikram D.
Why is media creating panic? 55 deaths since January is nothing compared to road accidents in our country. Focus should be on improving healthcare infrastructure rather than sensationalizing every new variant.
N
Neha T.
As someone who got Covid last month, I can confirm the sore throat was terrible! 😫 But recovered in 5 days with home care. Key is not to panic but stay alert. Keep masks handy in crowded places like local trains and markets.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50