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A new Covid-19 variant is making its way through Spain this summer, pushing up case numbers just as the country battles back-to-back heatwaves and a surge in wildfires. The variant, named NB.1.8.1, has become the dominant strain and is likely the reason for a noticeable uptick in respiratory infections across the country.

 

According to Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute, the latest data shows a national rate of 252.7 respiratory illness cases per 100,000 people. While that includes other viruses, Covid remains the main driver of the increase.

 

It’s not at epidemic levels, which is considered to be 400 cases per 100,000, but it’s certainly much higher than what we usually see this time of year. Compared to last summer, we’re slightly above 2022’s numbers but still lower than the same week in 2023.

 

Looking only at Covid-19, symptomatic cases are currently at 14.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. That’s still below previous summers, where we saw rates around 20 in 2022 and up to 60 in 2023. So while the numbers are climbing, there’s no cause for panic.

 

One area that’s drawing more attention is among children under five. Primary care data shows a sharp rise in bronchitis and bronchiolitis in this age group, reaching nearly 115 cases per 100,000, which again is higher than in recent years.

 

Despite the higher numbers, experts stress that this new variant isn’t more dangerous than previous ones. Symptoms are very similar to earlier strains and include fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, congestion and sometimes gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea.

 

William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University in the US, explained that we shouldn’t expect any major differences in how the illness feels compared to other variants.

 

That said, NB.1.8.1 appears to spread more easily. It has several mutations in the spike protein that might help it evade some of the antibodies from past infections or vaccinations.

 

Still, health authorities say current vaccines should continue to offer good protection against severe illness, and updated booster shots are expected to be available in the autumn.

 

For now, the advice remains the same: if you're feeling unwell, wear a mask, stay home, wash your hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes.

 

While COVID-19 is still very much around, being cautious, especially around vulnerable groups, can help keep things under control.

 

 

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