The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cases of the new COVID-19 variant have made it to the United States.
So far, too few U.S. sequences have been reported of NB.1.8.1 to be included in the agency's variant estimates dashboard.
NB.1.8.1 is associated with symptoms that are broadly similar to those seen in earlier strains of the virus, including respiratory issues such as cough and sore throat, as well as systemic effects like fever and fatigue.
Cook County Department of Public Health Senior Medical Officer Dr. Rachel Rubin says residents can protect themselves with an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
"The vaccine does work and this is still the kind of disease that we need to collectively, as a society and as a community, work together to keep each other safe by doing the right things: If you're sick stay away from others, get vaccinated when a vaccine is offered and take care of your neighbors."