New Corona variant causes "razor-like sore throat"
A new variant of the coronavirus is spreading worldwide and in Germany. Experts from the Robert Koch Institute and the World Health Organization assess the situation.
The last severe coronavirus wave in Germany occurred more than three years ago. Back then, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus caused up to one million new infections per week. This year, coronavirus is no longer a factor in most people's minds. However, experts are monitoring the global spread of a new variant: NB.1.8.1, also known as "Nimbus." It was recently classified as a "variant under observation" by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Worldwide, the share of NB.1.8.1 in total coronavirus infections more than quadrupled during April. While it was 2.5 percent at the beginning of April 2025, it had risen to 10.7 percent by the end of the month.
In Germany, the new variant first appeared in reports from the Robert Koch Institute at the end of March. By mid-May, its share of all documented coronavirus cases had already reached 16.7 percent.
Nevertheless, the Robert Koch Institute has given the all-clear: Overall, the viral load measured in wastewater in Germany is “currently at a low level,” according to the latest weekly report .
According to current knowledge, NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe disease progression than other variants. Nevertheless, the coronavirus variant can trigger very unpleasant symptoms: Among the most frequently reported symptoms, the expert initiative "World Health Network" lists so-called "razor-blade throat fatigue," a combination of a "razor-like" sore throat and severe exhaustion.
In addition,
- mild cough
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- constipation
The World Health Organization believes that the coronavirus vaccines currently in use also prevent severe cases of NB 1.8.1. This has been demonstrated, among other things, by tests on mice . Therefore, your vaccine protection remains effective.
The WHO currently sees no cause for concern. It classifies NB.1.8.1 as a "variant under observation," the lowest of three risk categories.
- Variant under monitoring (VUM): These variants of SARS-CoV-2 are being closely monitored. Due to genetic changes, they could spread more rapidly from person to person than other variants.
- Variant of Interest (VOI): These virus variants pose a risk to global public health.
- Variant of concern (VOC): These variants are particularly contagious and cause severe disease. Vaccines may be less effective in these cases.
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