WHO Flags Rising Respiratory Illnesses Amid New Variant Spread

Advanced | June 12, 2025

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A Global Health Check-up: What’s Happening?

WHO Issues Global Notice

So, what’s the latest on the global health front? Well, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently put out a notice about an increase in respiratory illnesses around the world.

NB.1.8.1 Variant Identified

It seems the primary driver behind this uptick right now is a rise in COVID-19 cases, specifically linked to a new variant they’re calling NB.1.8.1. This variant is currently under investigation, but it’s showing up more frequently in global sequences.

Diving Deeper into the Details

Rising Positivity Rates

The WHO noted that this increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity has been observed since mid-February 2025, with test positivity rates climbing. This rise is particularly noticeable in regions like the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and the Western Pacific.

Early Findings on NB.1.8.1

Initial data suggests that the NB.1.8.1 variant might be a bit more transmissible and could have some marginal ability to evade our immune responses compared to older versions, like LP.8.1. However, and this is key, current information doesn’t indicate that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or different symptoms than other circulating variants. It’s important not to panic, but stay informed.

WHO Recommendations

Despite the current assessment of the variant’s severity being low, the WHO still classifies the global risk level for COVID-19 as “high.” They are urging countries to ramp up their health surveillance efforts. Countries are also encouraged to integrate COVID-19 planning into their strategies for seasonal respiratory illnesses and actively combat misinformation. Staying vigilant and following preventive guidelines remains crucial for everyone.

Vocabulary

Respiratory (adjective): Relating to breathing or the organs of breathing.
- Example: “Flu and COVID-19 are common respiratory illnesses.”
Uptick (noun): A small increase or rise.
- Example: “We’ve seen an uptick in customer inquiries this month.”
Variant (noun): A different form or version of something.
- Example: “Scientists are monitoring the new COVID-19 variant.”
Under Investigation (phrase): Being examined or inquired into.
- Example: “The cause of the issue is currently under investigation.”
Sequences (noun): The order in which things happen or are arranged; in genetics, the particular order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule.
- Example: “Analyzing the genetic sequences helps track the virus’s spread.”
Positivity Rate (noun): The percentage of tests that come back positive for a particular disease.
- Example: “The high positivity rate indicates widespread infection.”
Transmissible (adjective): Able to be passed on from one person or animal to another.
- Example: “Measles is a highly transmissible disease.”
Immune Evasion (noun): The ability of a pathogen to avoid detection and destruction by the host’s immune system.
- Example: “Some variants show signs of immune evasion.”
Severity (noun): The quality or condition of being severe.
- Example: “The severity of the illness varied among patients.”
Surveillance (noun): Close observation of a person or group, typically suspected of espionage or crime; in health, the monitoring of the incidence and spread of diseases.
- Example: “Enhanced surveillance is needed to track new outbreaks.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

According to the article, what is the main reason for the recent increase in respiratory illnesses?
Which parts of the world are seeing the most significant rise in SARS-CoV-2 activity?
What are some characteristics of the new NB.1.8.1 variant mentioned in the article?
Despite the initial assessment of the variant’s severity, what risk level has the WHO assigned globally for COVID-19?
What actions is the WHO recommending countries take in response to the current situation?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How do global health organizations like the WHO help countries manage disease outbreaks?
What are some ways individuals can protect themselves from respiratory illnesses?
How important do you think global surveillance is in preventing pandemics?
What challenges might countries face in integrating COVID-19 planning into their existing health strategies?
How does the spread of misinformation impact public health efforts during an outbreak?

Related Idiom

“A word to the wise”

Meaning: A piece of advice or warning to someone who is likely to understand or benefit from it.
Example: “A word to the wise: wash your hands frequently to avoid getting sick.”

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This article was inspired by: BBC News, June 7, 2025.