A new strain of the coronavirus, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in Russia, raising concerns about a potential summer surge in cases. According to Dr. Ancha Baranova, a professor at George Mason University, the strain, which originated in China, has already spread to major cities globally, including those in the United States.

Baranova anticipates a rise in infections, particularly due to the virus’s presence in international travel hubs and its lack of strong seasonality. She advises precautions for summer travel, including wearing masks and using iota-carrageenan solutions, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

The effectiveness of current vaccines against the NB.1.8.1 strain is uncertain. Baranova suggests that updated vaccines may be limited to individuals over 65 or those with high-risk conditions. She also notes that the availability of updated vaccines may be affected by pharmaceutical companies prioritizing other products.

Baranova mentioned the presence of the NB.1.8.1 strain in Virginia and other major US cities, based on testing at international airports. She recommends avoiding crowded events to minimize exposure to the virus. The development and availability of updated vaccines, particularly in Russia where updates to Sputnik are not yet available, remain uncertain.