Latest news with #Nimbus'
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
20 new bat viruses discovered in China's fruit orchard amidst ongoing COVID surge; Are humans at risk?
Amidst the surge of the new COVID-19 variant, designated NB.1.8.1, informally known as 'Nimbus' and gaining popularity – thanks to its signature 'razor blade' symptom – a bunch of new viruses have been discovered in China. Bats in the orchards of Yunnan province in southwest China have been found to carry some unknown germs in their kidneys, including two that are closely related to the dangerous Nipah and Hendra viruses. A team of scientists, led by Guopeng Kuang from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention and Tian Yang from Dali University, examined 142 bats from 10 different species. Their research uncovered 20 new viruses, along with a new type of bacterium and a protozoan parasite, according to a study published by PLOS . What does the research say? The study published in PLOS Pathogens has revealed 20 previously unknown viruses – alongside two additional ones – within the kidneys of wild fruit bats captured in Yunnan province, near village orchards and caves. Researchers examined 142 bats across ten species and uncovered two henipaviruses genetically close to the notorious Hendra and Nipah viruses. The two worrying viruses are part of the henipavirus family, which is known for having long genomes and infecting a variety of hosts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo More than half of the genes from these new viruses closely resemble those of the Nipah and Hendra viruses, which can be deadly to humans, even though they don't occur often in people. This finding is particularly alarming because both Hendra and Nipah are highly lethal, with mortality rates up to 70% in humans, and no approved vaccines or therapies exist for Nipah. It's still uncertain if these new henipaviruses can jump from bats to other animals or humans, but their genetic similarity to dangerous viruses means scientists will be monitoring them closely. The fact that these genetically similar viruses are present in bats near orchards – which may interact with livestock or people – raises serious concerns about zoonotic spillover. The authors emphasized this point in a statement included with their research: 'By analyzing the infectome of bat kidneys collected near village orchards and caves in Yunnan, we uncovered not only the diverse microbes bats carry, but also the first full-length genomes of novel bat-borne henipaviruses closely related to Hendra and Nipah viruses identified in China – raising urgent concerns about the potential for these viruses to spill over into humans or livestock. ' Decoding the consequences: In response to the research, Molecular virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam from Monash University, who wasn't involved in the study, said in a statement shared with Newsweek, "These viruses are particularly concerning because they were predominantly found in bat kidneys, a site linked to urine production, raising alarm about potential human exposure via contaminated fruits or water." Why target bat kidneys? The researchers pointed out that most research on bat viruses focuses on their droppings, whereas they studied the kidneys, which 'can harbor important zoonotic pathogens.' Previous surveillance typically focused on bat guano (droppings). This study took a different approach, focusing on kidney tissue, which is integral to urine production – a key route for virus shedding. Bats shedding virus-laden urine onto fruit or into water dramatically increases the potential for environmental contamination and subsequent human or livestock exposure. The study authors urge further research 'to better assess spillover risks from bat populations.' Pathways of transmission: how humans might get exposed Transmission occurs through a few main routes. Direct contact with bat urine or droppings, contaminating fruit, water, or soil, while intermediate animal hosts, such as pigs or horses, can get infected via contaminated fruit and amplify the virus before passing it to humans. Environmental exposure, from contaminated fruit or sap – e.g., unpeeled or unwashed fruits like date palm juice – has been implicated in Nipah outbreaks in South Asia. Are humans at risk? Not necessarily imminent, but the potential is real and concerning. Because the bats were found in fruit orchards, humans and farm animals could be at risk if the viruses could cross over between species. However, bats also play a crucial role in orchards by pollinating fruits, enriching the soil, and controlling insect populations. In fact, insect-eating bats in China help apple farmers save around $2 billion a year in crop losses! Genetic similarity: The new henipaviruses share close lineage with Hendra/Nipah, but may differ in regions critical for cell entry in humans. Experts stress that genetic similarity doesn't guarantee human infectivity. Absence of current human cases: No viral spillover has been documented—yet. Similarly, other newly discovered bat coronaviruses (e.g., HKU5-CoV-2) showed the ability to infect human cells in vitro, but have so far posed no known health threat. Low direct exposure: Ecological tracking studies of Yunnan bats (e.g., Eonycteris spelaea) show they rarely overlap with human living or working areas, suggesting limited opportunity for direct transmission. However, University of Sydney veterinarian Alison Peel, who wasn't part of the research, pointed out that while there are other related viruses that don't pose a risk to humans, more laboratory studies are needed to understand these new ones better. Risk factors that elevate spillover probability: Several environmental and anthropogenic drivers are behind zoonotic emergence. Habitat loss and altered bat diets force bats into orchards, increasing viral shedding and human–bat interaction. Agriculture and livestock proximity, like free-range pig farms in Yunnan and Guangxi, can act as intermediaries for virus amplification. Fruit contamination, i.e., unwashed or fallen fruit eaten by humans or livestock, is a known pathway – seen in India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Hence, although direct human spillover is still relatively rare, the importance of surveillance remains critical. US: Study underway to find whether survivor's plasma could prevent Covid-19 One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
News18
22-06-2025
- Health
- News18
All About The New COVID-19 Variant Causing 'Razor Blade' Sore Throats
Last Updated: The new variant called the NB.1.8.1 has been detected in the US among travellers coming in from Western Pacific nations, with a rising number of patients. The recent spike in coronavirus cases in certain parts of the world has been attributed to a new variant of the virus that caused a global health pandemic, nicknamed the 'razor blade throat" COVID. The variant is called the NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' and causes painful sore throats among those who come into contact. The symptom has been discovered by scientists in India and the United Kingdom, apart from other parts of the world, according to various media outlets. Just when the world was beginning to move on from the horrors of the global health emergency, coronavirus has sprung back into news and discussions with a rising number of affected persons by the new variant. Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell are proven symptoms of any COVID variant, but Nimbus especially attacks one's throat. While health experts suggest there isn't a cause for major worries about this form of COVID, here is what you need to know about the variant responsible for the sudden spike in global cases. According to a statement dated May 28 by the World Health Organisation, the variant causing the 'razor blade throat' has been spreading primarily in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions. The new variant is responsible for nearly 11% of the global sequenced samples reported since May. In the United States, airport screening held in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York found travellers coming in from those regions affected by the new variant. The new variant is unlikely to cause any worse damage than other variants of the virus that emerged from China in December 2019. Even though Western Pacific countries have reported an increasing number of cases and persons hospitalised, the WHO says there is no proof to suggest the Nimbus variant comes with a disease and symptoms more dangerous than other variants. Likewise, the vaccines proven effective against those variants will help provide relief against NB.1.8.1 as well. The WHO has marked the public health risk from the new variant at a low level, designating it as a 'variant under monitoring" with current vaccinations remaining effective. Last month, Robert F Kennedy Jr announced that COVID-19 injection shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and women undergoing pregnancy. But public health experts raised an immediate question mark on the claim made by the US Health Secretary. First Published: June 22, 2025, 12:37 IST
Mint
20-06-2025
- Health
- Mint
Covid-19 variant ‘Nimbus' with ‘razor blade throat' symptom spreads in California – should you worry?
A new Covid-19 variant – NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' – may be driving a recent rise in cases in some parts of the world. The rise is cases in primarily seen in eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions, the World Health Organization said on May 28. The new variant had reached nearly 11 per cent of sequenced samples reported globally in mid-May, an AP report said on Wednesday. Airport screening in the United States detected the new variant in travelers arriving from those regions to destinations in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York. You aren't likely to get sicker from this variant than others. The WHO said some western Pacific countries have reported increases in Covid cases and hospitalisations, but there's nothing so far to suggest that the disease associated with the new variant is more severe compared to other variants, the report added. The variant has earned a new nickname – 'razor blade throat' Covid. That's because the variant may cause painful sore throats. The symptom has been identified by doctors in the United Kingdom, India and elsewhere, according to various media outlets. According to the AP report, other Covid-19 symptoms of any variant include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. Experts say there isn't major cause for concern with the Nimbus variant. The WHO has designated Nimbus as a 'variant under monitoring' and considers the public health risk low at the global level. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective. A US government scientist who oversees the team responsible for collecting data on Covid-19 and RSV hospitalisations used to shape national vaccine policy has resigned, citing concerns over how such data would be used by the Trump administration. The scientist, Dr Fiona Havers, told colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday that she no longer had confidence that the Covid and RSV data would be used "objectively or evaluated with appropriate scientific rigor to make evidence-based vaccine policy decisions," according to an email seen by Reuters. Havers, leader of the RESP-NET Hospitalization Surveillance Team, did not respond to requests for comment. Her resignation follows moves by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to abruptly fire all 17 members of the CDC's independent vaccine advisory panel and drop a recommendation for administering Covid shots to healthy children and pregnant women. Kennedy, who has long sown doubt about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, replaced the advisory board with eight members of his own choosing, some of whom have histories of objecting to Covid shots or vaccines in general.
Rakyat Post
20-06-2025
- Health
- Rakyat Post
Malaysia Records First COVID-19 Death In 2025
Subscribe to our FREE Malaysia has recorded its first COVID-19-related death of 2025, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on 19 June. The fatality occurred during Epidemiological Week 24 (8–15 June). The individual, who had serious pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, had not received the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. MoH noted that this was the first COVID-19 death since 26 May 2024, and a significant drop compared to the 57 COVID-related deaths reported in 2024. COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, But Situation Under Control As of Week 24, Malaysia has reported 21,738 cumulative COVID-19 cases in 2025, with the weekly average hovering around 900 cases. However, MoH did flag a 68% week-on-week spike, with 3,379 cases reported in Week 24 compared to 2,011 the previous week. Despite the increase, the ministry assured that the national COVID-19 situation remains stable and below the national alert threshold. In terms of severe cases, six patients were admitted to the ICU, all with underlying health issues. All have since been discharged from intensive care; four have returned home, while two remain in regular hospital wards for follow-up treatment. New Variant on the Radar: NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring the spread of NB.1.8.1, a Photo: Freepik WHO has classified Nimbus as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) due to its rapid transmission and potential health risks. Nimbus spreads faster than previous variants. Common symptoms include: razor-blade-like sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and nasal congestion. What You Can Do Health experts continue to urge the public to take precautions, especially as new variants emerge. Wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces, improve indoor ventilation: open windows, use fans or air purifiers, get tested if you're feeling unwell or exposed to COVID-19, and stay home when sick to reduce the risk of transmission. Photo: Malay Mail While Malaysia's current COVID-19 situation remains under control, this latest death and the emergence of new variants serve as reminders that vigilance and public health measures remain crucial. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
New COVID variant ‘Nimbus' spreading in California, causes ‘razor blade throat'
COVID-19 rages on as a new threat to the state of California. According to recent reports, a deadly subvariant, NB1.8.1 or 'Nimbus,' is on the rise and carries symptoms of razor blade throats, which implies that those affected experience throat pain equivalent to having shards of glass stuck. The spread of this subvariant in other countries as well has raised concerns among the medical community and the general public. ALSO READ| What we know about Covid variant 'Nimbus' known for 'razor blade throat' amid surge in cases According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this new subvariant is a part of the Omicron family and is now almost parallel in effect to that of the last most dominant subvariant: the LP 8.1. The nimbus is now responsible for 37% of all coronavirus samples detected. California has been under threat by this subvariant ever since May and now comprises 55% of cases detected in the state as per the state Department of Public Health. 'Before Omicron, I think most people presented with the usual loss of taste and smell as the predominant symptom and shortness of breath,' said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious-disease expert to the LA Times. But due to the 'razor blade throat' effect of the Nimbus subvariant, attention has now been diverted to 'other aspects of these symptoms'. Elevated levels of coronavirus have been detected in the state's wastewater as per noted professionals and may be contributing to the spike in cases. Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, wrote in an email to The Times, 'Wastewater surveillance across Southern California shows variability: Santa Barbara watersheds are reporting moderate-to-high levels, Ventura and Los Angeles counties are seeing low-to-moderate levels, Riverside is reporting low levels, while San Bernardino is experiencing high activity.' The state Department of Public Health says that viral levels in wastewater have risen by 13% for the ten-day period concluded on May 30 which proves why more positive cases of the virus have started to appear in the city. As per its official website, coronavirus levels across California continue to remain at a 'medium' scale. Coronavirus levels in Santa Clara County have started to rise over the summer while the levels in the sewershed of San José are considered to be high. Palo Alto records 'medium' levels and Sunnyvale reports 'low'. San Francisco, on the other hand, still has a relatively lower number of cases being reported. ALSO READ| What is razor blade throat? New Covid variant 'Nimbus' causing very painful symptom, know about prevention This uptick in cases is happening at a time when the US Department of Health and Human Services, led by vaccine critic Robert F Kennedy Jr, is making the intake of COVID-19 vaccines substantially difficult. An open letter by 30 notable medical organizations has tried to criticize this call of the government and urges people to rely on scientific facts and get themselves vaccinated during a time of dire need.
