WHO warns of rising Covid-19 cases due to new variant

While the organisation confirmed that the new variant does not pose a greater health risk than previous strains, it noted that the continued evolution of the virus could lead to new waves of infection.

09 Jun 2025 06:05pm
An old sign in a window of a closed business asks customers to wear a mask to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the nation marks the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic on March 13, 2025 in New York City. - (Photo by SPENCER PLATT / AFP)
An old sign in a window of a closed business asks customers to wear a mask to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the nation marks the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic on March 13, 2025 in New York City. - (Photo by SPENCER PLATT / AFP)

WASHINGTON - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of a rise in Covid-19 infections linked to the emergence of a new variant, NB.1.8.1, which is currently under investigation, Emirates News Agency reported.

While the organisation confirmed that the new variant does not pose a greater health risk than previous strains, it noted that the continued evolution of the virus could lead to new waves of infection.

This photograph shows a logo of the World Health Organisation displayed on the facade of organisation's headquarters in Geneva on April 23, 2025. - (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
This photograph shows a logo of the World Health Organisation displayed on the facade of organisation's headquarters in Geneva on April 23, 2025. - (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)

WHO stated that the current increase aligns with the virus’s seasonal pattern and emphasised that the need for hospitalisation or intensive care remains limited due to widespread community immunity and vaccination coverage.

The global health body classified the overall global risk level as "high", urging countries to strengthen health surveillance, integrate Covid-19 into seasonal respiratory disease strategies, combat misinformation, and encourage individuals to adhere to preventive measures. - BERNAMA

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