South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1. 

This is according to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who addressed the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20 (G20), which is underway in Johannesburg.

Motsoaledi said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated this “a variant under monitoring” due to its growing presence.

India is the latest country to experience a surge in new COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of the new variant, NB.1.8.1. 

According to the Independent, infections have been confirmed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia and China. 

In addition, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency reported the first 13 cases of this variant in England last week.

“I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. 

“Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,” Motsoaledi explained.

South Africa is currently experiencing a seasonal rise in influenza, but the country is well-prepared to manage the situation, he said.

“Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public.” 

Motsoaledi said government continues to promote good hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell. Source: SAnews.gov.za