WISCONSIN

Have any cases of the new COVID-19 strain been reported in Wisconsin? What to know about NB.1.8.1

Cailey Gleeson
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A new COVID-19 variant, dubbed N.B.1.8.1, is making the rounds across the globe — including in the United States.

Less than 20 cases of the variant had been reported in the U.S. as of late May, a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokesperson told USA TODAY. But, CDC variant proportion estimates for the week ending June 7 show NB.1.8.1 is the second most prominent strain in the U.S. at 37%, up from 15% the week ending May 24.

The database notes a "low number of sequences" are being reported, so it has moved to "longer reporting periods" to gather information.

So, have any cases of NB.1.8.1 been reported in Wisconsin?

Here's what to know:

What is the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 strain?

NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19. It's a "slightly upgraded version" of the dominant LP.8.1 variant, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, told USA TODAY.

It was first reported in China in January, and has since spread to at least 22 other countries, USA TODAY reported.

Have any cases of the new COVID-19 variant been reported in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene did not confirm or deny to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel whether any cases were reported in the state.

However, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene has suspended its strain surveillance program amid federal funding cuts as it as searches "for alternative funding solutions," it told the Journal Sentinel in an email.

Despite the pause of its own surveillance program, it confirmed it is still participating in the CDC's National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance.

The CDC did not immediately respond to the Journal Sentinel's request for comment.

Where in the U.S. has NB.1.8.1 been detected?

NB.1.8.1 has been detected in at least 14 state as of June 17, according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington

What are the symptoms of the new COVID-19 variant?

A severe sore throat, described as “razor-blade throat fatigue," has been reported in patients with variant NB.1.8.1, the World Health Network says. Like other strains of the virus, common symptoms include:

  • Mild cough
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Congestion

How many Wisconsinites have received updated COVID-19 vaccine doses?

State data shows vaccination rates are lagging amongst Wisconsinites.

Just 17.9% of Wisconsin residents — or about 1.057 million people — have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season, DHS data shows.

Wisconsin health officials are still recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for kids and pregnant women, despite Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rescinding federal guidance.

Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Wisconsin:

DHS says you should get tested for COVID-19 if:

  • You are experiencing symptoms
  • You have been exposed to the virus
  • You are around those at risk of severe illness

There are several options to get tested in Wisconsin. DHS recommends contacting a doctor or primary health care provider, pharmacy, tribal or community health center to see if they offer testing.

You can also purchase at home-tests at pharmacies or online.

How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin:

Vaccines are available at doctor's offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. You can find the administrator closest to you online at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/.

For uninsured residents, the state’s Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults also provides free vaccines.

Greta Cross of USA TODAY contributed to this report.