Stratus, Nimbus Variants Spread; NB.1.8.1 Surges

Two new COVID-19 variants, Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus, are spreading globally, with Stratus now the dominant strain in the UK and both considered more contagious but milder than previous strains. Stratus is characterized by a hoarse or raspy voice as a unique symptom and has been classified as a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO. Experts warn that declining vaccination rates could increase vulnerability, though there is no evidence of higher hospitalizations or deaths linked to these variants. Meanwhile, the NB.1.8.1 variant is surging in Gulf countries, raising concerns due to low vaccination coverage and limited data. In related news, Israeli researchers have developed the first mRNA vaccine targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria using COVID-19 vaccine technology. Some experts are debating the safety and design of mRNA vaccines as these technologies expand.