TRENTON, N.J. — A newly emerging strain of COVID-19, known as Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), is now the leading variant circulating in New Jersey, with health officials noting a severe sore throat as one of its most common symptoms.
State health data shows that among 140 recent COVID-19 cases reported, the majority are attributed to the fast-spreading subvariant. The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed that NB.1.8.1 continues to increase in frequency.
National estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the Nimbus variant surged from 15 percent to 37 percent of total COVID cases across the U.S. during the two weeks ending June 7.
Medical sources, including the World Health Network, report that individuals infected with Nimbus frequently experience intense throat pain, often described as a “razor blade” sensation.
Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, nasal congestion, fatigue, and a mild cough.
Overall case numbers remain extremely low.