New Covid subvariant NB. 1.8.1 detected in NSW, WA

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New Covid subvariant NB. 1.8.1 detected in NSW, WA

A new Covid-19 subvariant, NB. 1.8.1, is beginning to take hold in NSW and Western Australia, sparking concern among health authorities as Australia heads into the winter months.

According to the latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, Covid-19 and influenza activity remain low overall, but early signs point to a gradual increase in Covid-19 infections, with test positivity rising to 5.7 per cent in the week ending May 17.

“We are now reporting emerging sublineage NB. 1.8.1 which is increasing in NSW,” the report reads.

Wastewater surveillance in Perth also shows NB. 1.8.1 is surging in the region.

While the subvariant does not appear to cause more severe illness than earlier strains, its rapid growth is raising flags both locally and internationally.

Camera IconEstimated weekly distribution of Covid-19 sub-lineages in the community, November 1, 2023 to May 10, 2025. NSW Health Credit: News Corp Australia

The World Health Organisation recently noted that NB. 1.8.1 was increasing in prevalence globally, including in Hong Kong, where Covid hospitalisations have reached 12-month highs, and also in parts of the US.

NSW Health is continuing to monitor the subvariant closely, particularly among ICU patients, to assess any changes in disease severity. For now, the variant appears more transmissible but not more dangerous.

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Vaccines remain effective at preventing severe disease from NB. 1.8.1, and health officials are urging residents to stay up to date with boosters and flu shots.

In both NSW and WA, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is circulating at high levels, especially among children.

WA Health has warned of a potentially early start to the flu season, with more than 6500 flu cases already recorded this year and free flu and RSV immunisations available to eligible residents until June 30.

Authorities are reminding Australians to maintain good hygiene, stay home when unwell and ensure vaccinations are current to help ease pressure on hospitals over winter.

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