A new variant of COVID-19 has been detected in the United States following an outbreak in China that lead to a number of hospitalizations.While NB.1.8.1 is more transmissible, it does not appear to lead to more severe illness than its predecessors.According to CBS News, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was "aware" of reported cases in China, and has been "in regular contact with international partners." The first cases in the US were logged in March after infected international travellers went through screening at airports.Symptoms are believed to be similar to those inflicted upon people by other COVID-19 variants, with coughing, sore throat, fever, and fatigue among the most common. To prevent transmission, authorities in some regions — such as Hong Kong — have urged residents to wear masks when in crowded places such as public transportation..Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that the CDC will no longer recommend COVID booster vaccines for pregnant women and healthy children..Bottom line: it's common sense and it's good science," he said. "We are now one step closer to realizing [POTUS]'s promise to Make America Healthy Again."Boosters for those groups will only be allowed following lengthy, controlled clinical trials.
