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The CDC's airport screening program has detected the COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 in travelers from several countries, including China, where it's currently dominant. Cases have also been reported in multiple US states. While not seemingly more severe, its higher transmissibility is concerning. The FDA's vaccine advisory committee discussed updating COVID-19 vaccines to better address this and other circulating variants, leaning toward a JN.1 variant descendant like LP.8.1. Though COVID-19 rates are currently low in the US, experts acknowledge the virus's unpredictable nature and the possibility of future surges.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.