Details about the sequencing results, which were published in recent weeks on the GISAID, or Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, virus database, show the cases stem from travelers from a number of countries, including Japan, South Korea, France, Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, Vietnam, China and Taiwan. The travelers were tested from April 22 through May 12, the records show.

Airport screenings have identified cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant — the same strain linked to a surge in infections in China — among international travelers arriving in several US states, CBS News reports. The variant has been found in passengers tested at airports in the New York City area, California, Virginia, and Washington state.

China is experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19, with patients reporting symptoms of severe, burning throat pain, experts say. Zhong Nanshan, one of China's leading pulmonologists and epidemiologists, said in an interview with China-based media on May 19 that the “razor blade throat” symptom is more pronounced in this wave of resurgence, accompanied by more frequent coughing. “Razor blade throat” is a term used in China to describe severe throat pain, akin to swallowing shattered glass or razor blades.

New Covid Variant NB.1.8.1 detected in US travellers after surge in China. Confirmed cases among international travellers arriving between late April and mid-May. Travellers infected with new Covid variant came from Asia and parts of Europe, including Spain.

I haven’t seen this in major media yet (except CBS), nor here, but this story is spreading on Facebook and in Europe today: (CBS) U.S. reports cases of new COVID variant NB.1.8.1 behind surge in China: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s…