A highly transmissible new COVID-19 variant called NB.1.8.1 , aka "Nimbus," is now the dominant strain circulating in the United States. The mutated omicron subvariant, which is known for causing a painful symptom dubbed " razor blade throat ," accounts for an estimated 43% of cases in the U.S., per the latest data.

NB.1.8.1 emerged earlier this year and caused surges in China and other parts of Asia. The variant was first detected in the U.S. in March through international airport screening programs. Since then, it has been reported in at least 31 U.S. states.

By July, Nimbus had surpassed other variants to become the most prevalent strain in the U.S.

The World Health Organization has classified NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring” due to its rapid global spread and spike pro

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