New Coronavirus Variant 'Nimbus' Detected in Sweden Amid Global Monitoring

Sweden detects new coronavirus variant 'Nimbus', prompting health warnings as WHO monitors its spread.

Key Points

  • • Variant 'Nimbus' detected in Sweden, monitoring by WHO ongoing.
  • • Rapid rise in cases recorded in Thailand, from 6,000 to 33,000.
  • • Statsepidemiologist warns of potential summer COVID-19 surge in Sweden.
  • • Nimbus classified as Variant Under Monitoring; gastrointestinal issues reported but not deemed more dangerous.

A new coronavirus variant named 'Nimbus' has been identified in Sweden, raising public health concerns as the World Health Organization (WHO) closely monitors its spread. The variant has rapidly proliferated, particularly in Asia, with a significant spike in cases reported in Thailand, where infections rose dramatically from 6,000 to 33,000 within a matter of days.

Statsepidemiologist Magnus Gisslén emphasized that while Nimbus has been detected in Sweden, the transmission rate remains low at this time. However, he warns that an increase in COVID-19 cases could materialize during the summer months as the variant becomes more prevalent. The WHO has designated Nimbus as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), indicating heightened scrutiny due to its potential impact on public health.

Gisslén reassured the public that despite Nimbus potentially causing more gastrointestinal issues, it is not deemed more dangerous than previous variants. He noted that the population's immunity levels have improved significantly compared to earlier stages of the pandemic, but the elderly and those with serious underlying conditions still face elevated risks for severe illness from COVID-19.