Seen in California: Rise of COVID-19 subvariant associated with "razor blade throat" symptom
COVID-19 is on the rise in certain parts of California, and a new, highly contagious subvariant known as Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) is suspected to be the culprit. This subvariant has been linked to symptoms such as a "razor blade throat" in overseas cases, with patients reporting an excruciatingly painful sensation as if their throat is studded with razor blades. Although this symptom has been mentioned before in the USA, the recent surge in the Nimbus subvariant has brought renewed focus on this symptom.
Before Omicron, the most prevalent COVID symptom was the loss of taste and smell, accompanied by shortness of breath. However, as COVID-19 has become less likely to demand hospitalization, people have started to focus on other symptoms, such as an extremely painful sore throat.
Nimbus is now one of the most common coronavirus subvariants nationally. For the two-week period ending on June 7, Nimbus accounted for approximately 37% of the country's coronavirus samples, with the subvariant LP.8.1 making up around 38%. The latter has been the dominant subvariant over the past few months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In California, the Nimbus subvariant has been increasing since May, with the state's Department of Public Health reporting that it comprises 55% of the circulating virus in the state, a dramatic increase from the 2% observed in April. The rate of positive COVID-19 tests across California has risen to 2.8%, up from the seasonal low of 1.1% in March.
Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, wrote in an email to The Times, "[We are] seeing some indicators of increased COVID-19 activity, including the rise of the NB.1.8.1 variant, elevated coronavirus levels in wastewater, and an uptick in the test positivity rate."
Wastewater surveillance across Southern California has shown varying results, with Santa Barbara watersheds reporting a medium to high level of activity, Ventura and Los Angeles counties observing a low to moderate level, Riverside reporting a low level, and San Bernardino experiencing a high activity level.
Although viral concentrations remain relatively low, the increase in Nimbus in California indicates a possible summer wave of COVID-19. Additionally, recent moves by the Trump administration threaten to make vaccines harder to obtain and more expensive for many Americans, which could further exacerbate the situation.
- The new Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) subvariant, causing a rise in COVID-19 cases in California, is infamous for the "razor blade throat" symptom, which patients describe as an excruciatingly painful sensation.
- While the loss of taste and smell accompanied by shortness of breath were the most common COVID-19 symptoms before Omicron, the focus has shifted to other symptoms, such as an extremely painful sore throat.
- In California, the Nimbus subvariant has grown significantly since May, accounting for 55% of the state's circulating virus, up from the 2% observed in April.
- Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, has indicated a possible increase in COVID-19 activity, citing factors such as the rise of the NB.1.8.1 variant, increased coronavirus levels in wastewater, and a rise in the test positivity rate.
- Wastewater surveillance in Southern California has shown varying results, with Santa Barbara and San Bernardino experiencing high and moderate levels of activity respectively, while Ventura, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties have low to moderate levels.
- The increasing prevalence of the Nimbus subvariant in California, coupled with potential challenges in vaccine access due to recent political decisions, could suggest a heightened risk of a summer wave of COVID-19 cases in the region, affecting the overall health and wellness of its residents.
