A new COVID-19 variant nicknamed ‘razor blade throat’ COVID is drawing attention from doctors worldwide, as it appears to cause intense sore throats in some patients.
The variant, officially known as NB.1.8.1 or ‘Nimbus’, has been linked to reports of painful throat symptoms in the UK, India, and other countries, according to local media reports.
Doctors say that while sore throat has always been a possible COVID symptom, this variant’s cases are standing out for the severity of throat pain, described by some patients as feeling like swallowing razor blades.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) said the Nimbus variant was already detected in nearly 11% of sequenced samples worldwide by mid-May. The eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions have witnessed an increase in the number of cases.
In the United States, the new variant has been picked up through airport screenings in passengers arriving in California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.
The WHO says current evidence does not suggest that Nimbus infections are more severe than those from other variants, despite the noticeable throat symptoms. While some countries have reported increased COVID-related hospitalisations, there is no clear indication that this variant is causing worse outcomes.
The WHO also expects the existing COVID-19 vaccines to remain effective against the Nimbus variant. The health body has classified it as a “variant under monitoring” and continues to assess it as a low public health risk globally.
While public health experts say there’s no major cause for alarm, they do recommend people stay vigilant for symptoms, particularly severe sore throat, and get tested if concerned.
