The United States has identified multiple cases of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has been associated with the recent spike in infections across China. According to a report in the CBS, the variant was detected through the CDC's airport screening program in international travelers arriving at airports in California, Washington state, Virginia, and the New York City area, according to data from testing partner Ginkgo Bioworks.
Genomic sequencing results published on the GISAID database indicate that the infected travelers came from countries including China, Japan, South Korea, France,
Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The tests were conducted between April 22 and May 12.
In addition to airport screenings, health departments in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii have also reported cases of NB.1.8.1. The earliest U.S. cases date back to late March in California and Washington.
