COVID-19 Update: New variant in India, Hanoi cases down

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated new Omicron subvariant a "Variant Under Monitoring" on May 23rd due to early signs it may spread more easily.

Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, reported 150 new COVID-19 cases between May 30 and June 6. This is slightly lower than the week before. Since the start of 2025, Hanoi has recorded 558 total cases. That’s 109 fewer cases than during the same period last year. Health officials in Hanoi are reminding people to stay informed about COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are increasing again in India. There are currently 5,364 active cases. In the last 24 hours, 4 deaths were reported. Since January 1st, over 4,700 people have recovered in India, but 55 deaths have occurred during this period.

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The main reason for India’s surge is a new version of the virus called NB.1.8.1. This is a type of Omicron. This variant has been found in several countries, including the UK, US, Australia, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong.

NB.1.8.1 was first spotted in January 2025. It’s a “recombinant” variant, meaning it was created when two or more older variants mixed their genetic material.

On May 23rd, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled NB.1.8.1 a “Variant Under Monitoring” (VUM). Scientists see changes in the virus that might affect how it spreads or makes people sick. Early signs suggest it could spread more easily than other variants, but this isn’t confirmed yet.

Lab studies show NB.1.8.1 binds more tightly to human cells, suggesting it might infect people more effectively than earlier variants.

People infected with NB.1.8.1 commonly report: Sore throat, Cough, Fever, Muscle aches, Stuffy/runny nose, Some also experience nausea or diarrhoea.

Despite this new variant, health experts strongly emphasize that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective. Vaccines continue to provide significant protection against: Getting infected, Developing severe illness, Needing hospitalization, Dying from COVID-19.