What to know about ‘razor blade throat’
‘Razor blade throat’ COVID-19 variant emerges
The new COVID-19 variant carries with it a series of symptoms, including leaving those sick with a feeling of razor blades in their throat.
A new COVID-19 variant, dubbed NB.1.8.1, or Nimbus, is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States.
Less than 20 cases of the variant had been reported in the U.S. as of late May, a spokesperson for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told USA TODAY. However, CDC variant proportion estimates for the week ending June 7 show that NB.1.8.1 is the second most prominent strain in the U.S., accounting for 37% of the country’s COVID-19 cases.
The database notably states that “Due to low numbers of sequences being reported to CDC, precision in the most recent reporting period is low,” prompting it to move to “longer reporting periods” to gather information and provide reliable estimates.
So, have any cases of NB.1.8.1 been reported in Oklahoma?
What is the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 strain?
NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19. It’s a “slightly upgraded version” of the dominant LP.8.1 variant, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, told USA TODAY.
It was first reported in China in January and has since spread to at least 22 other countries, USA TODAY reported.
Have any cases of the new COVID-19 variant been reported in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma State Department of Health did not confirm or deny to The Oklahoman whether any cases have been reported in the state.
However, they did point to the COVID-19 Data Dashboard for available information on identified variants.
Where in the U.S. has NB.1.8.1 been detected?
NB.1.8.1 has been detected in at least 16 states as of June 20, according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
What are the symptoms of the new COVID-19 variant?
A severe sore throat, described as “razor-blade throat fatigue,” has been reported in patients with variant NB.1.8.1, the World Health Network says. Like other strains of the virus, common symptoms include:
- Mild cough
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Congestion
How many Oklahomans have received updated COVID-19 vaccine doses?
State data shows vaccination rates are lagging amongst Oklahomans.
As of April 27, just 13.6% of Oklahoma residents had received an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season, CDC data shows.
Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Oklahoma:
In Oklahoma, individuals can contact a doctor or primary healthcare provider, pharmacy, tribal or community health center to see if they offer testing.
Another option is to purchase at home-tests at pharmacies or online.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Oklahoma:
Vaccines are available at doctor’s offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. You can find the administrator closest to you online at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/.
For uninsured residents, the state’s Vaccines for Children Program and Adult Vaccine Program provide vaccines at zero cost.
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