New COVID-19 variant Australia : More than five years after COVID-19 was first declared a global pandemic, Australian health officials are expressing concern over the rise of a new variant. The subvariant, known as NB.1.8.1 and part of the Omicron lineage, has been detected in several states as winter approaches.
Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring” due to its growing presence in multiple countries. The variant has already caused hospitalisations in Hong Kong, mainland China, and parts of the United States.
According to Griffith University in Queensland, the NB.1.8.1 variant is contributing to a rise in new COVID-19 cases across Australia. Early data shows its presence ranges from under 10 percent of sequenced cases in South Australia to over 40 percent in Victoria.
In Western Australia, wastewater surveillance indicates that NB.1.8.1 has become the dominant strain in samples collected from Perth.
The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report indicates that COVID-19 cases have climbed to a moderate level of activity, with early evidence suggesting the new variant is contributing to the surge in infections.
Health Minister Mark Butler has urged Australians to stay protected by keeping their COVID-19 booster vaccinations up to date.
As we approach winter, I encourage everyone to consider when they last received a COVID vaccine,” he told ABC today.
If you’re over 75, it’s recommended to get a booster if it’s been more than six months. For those aged 65 to 74, a booster is advised if over 12 months have passed. And for everyone else, it’s worth seriously considering your vaccination status.”
What are the origins of the new variant?
According to the World Health Organization, NB.1.8.1 was initially identified in samples collected in late January 2025.
The Conversation reports that it is a subvariant belonging to the widespread Omicron lineage of the virus.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of the variant include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches, and nasal congestion.
Some individuals may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
While the WHO has found no indication that this variant causes more severe illness than others, it appears to spread more easily and may partially evade immunity from previous vaccinations.
How effective is vaccine?
According to the WHO, current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide strong protection against severe illness caused by NB.1.8.1.
Australia’s latest booster targets the JN.1 variant, which NB.1.8.1 evolved from, making it likely to offer effective defense against this new subvariant.
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