فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Rabat, Morocco – Amidst the ongoing global detection of new COVID-19 strains, a new Omicron sub-variant, named NB.1.8.1, was recently identified for the first time in France. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet classified it as a “variant of concern,” this strain is gaining ground, particularly in Asia, where several countries like Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are reporting an increase in cases, hospitalizations, and virus-related deaths.
In Europe, NB.1.8.1 has been identified in several countries, including France, where at least four cases have been confirmed. It has also been detected in the United States.
In an exclusive statement to H24info, Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a physician and health systems researcher, clarified that this strain is not entirely new. It has been circulating in China for at least a year and began spreading to other Asian countries, where a resurgence of viral circulation has been observed since last January. However, no conclusive studies can definitively confirm that this resurgence is directly linked to NB.1.8.1.
Immune Evasion Capability but No Excessive Concern
Laboratory studies indicate that this sub-variant possesses “immune escape” capability, meaning it could potentially infect individuals who have already been sick or vaccinated. However, Dr. Hamdi emphasized that this characteristic is not new and has been observed in previous COVID-19 sub-variants.
To date, the WHO has not yet classified NB.1.8.1 as a “variant of concern,” as the usual classification criteria (such as excessive transmissibility, increased severity – more severe or fatal forms – or significant immune escape) have not been met alarmingly. Dr. Hamdi reassured, “For now, none of these criteria appear to be alarmingly met, and we do not yet have solid data to make a definitive judgment.”
No Need for Widespread Concern in Morocco… But Vigilance for the Vulnerable
Regarding the situation in Morocco, Dr. Hamdi confirmed that there is no cause for widespread concern. Moroccan society is relatively young, and collective immunity against coronaviruses remains satisfactory.
However, he stressed the need for vigilance for the most vulnerable categories: individuals aged 75 and over, those with chronic diseases or immunodeficiencies, as well as transplant recipients or those suffering from severe immune disorders. The immunity of these groups declines rapidly after natural infection or vaccination.
Dr. Hamdi issued a warning regarding the near-total halt of booster vaccination campaigns in Morocco, especially for these at-risk groups, considering it concerning. He called for the resumption of targeted vaccination campaigns for the most vulnerable.
General Perspective: Continuous Vigilance is Key
Dr. Hamdi concluded that the emergence of new variants is natural as long as the virus continues to circulate. He emphasized, “It is not this particular variant that should concern us, but rather the relaxation of vigilance, especially regarding the protection of the most vulnerable.”
He concluded by reminding that “the WHO has not yet officially declared the end of the pandemic, precisely because there is always a risk of a more transmissible and severe variant emerging.”
