MOTSOALEDI: NO CAUSE FOR ALARM AS NEW COVID VARIANT DETECTED ABROAD

Wed 11 June 2025:

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed that South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1—also known as Nimbus—which has been linked to rising case numbers in several Asian countries.

Speaking at the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the G20 in Johannesburg, Motsoaledi said the World Health Organisation has designated the variant as one “under monitoring” due to its growing presence globally.

India is currently experiencing a surge in cases, with additional infections reported in Thailand, Indonesia, China, and most recently, England.

Motsoaledi reassured delegates that South Africa is well-positioned to respond. “South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place,” he said, pointing to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ sentinel surveillance programme, which routinely tests for respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Currently, the country is experiencing very low levels of COVID-19 activity, although it is witnessing a seasonal rise in influenza. Despite this, the health system remains well-prepared, and no cause for alarm has been raised.

Importantly, Motsoaledi noted that NB.1.8.1 is still a descendant of the Omicron lineage. This means that existing vaccines remain effective, and no new public health actions are currently required from the public.

“Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public.”

Motsoaledi urged people to maintain basic hygiene habits—such as handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when unwell—as simple yet effective ways to slow the spread of all respiratory illnesses. He also emphasised that the situation is being monitored closely, and any changes will be communicated.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes,” he added.

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here