Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 has been detected in England for the first time, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sending out an alert that 13 cases have been reported.

While these are "small numbers", it comes after cases were detected in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the new strain accounting for 10% of global infections.

The World Health Organisation previously listed NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring”.

UKHSA deputy director Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said it was unlikely to be a more severe disease than other variants.

This newcomer to the virus scene has surged from 2.5% of global cases to an alarming 10.7% by late April 2025, according to WHO data.

At least 22 countries have reported cases of the NB. 1.8.1 strain, including China, Australia, Thailand and the

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