‘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.
- The CDC states that COVID-19 cases are rising in Massachusetts
- The CDC is reporting that, “Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are increasing among young children 0-4 years old”
COVID-19 numbers are rising in Massachusetts, and in states across the country.
“COVID-19 laboratory percent positivity is increasing nationally,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. “Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are increasing among young children 0-4 years old,” though the CDC noted that emergency room visits are “low” overall.
The latest COVID-19 strain is known as “Nimbus.”
Here’s what to know.
Are COVID-19 numbers increasing in Massachusetts?
The CDC website has evaluated the issue in each state and determined cases in Massachusetts are likely rising.
In Massachusetts, there is an 85.8% chance that COVID-19 numbers are increasing, according to the CDC.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reported that as of June 28, there were 377 confirmed cases of COVID and 77 unconfirmed cases.
No COVID-19 deaths were reported at the time.
The data stops in June because the Massachusetts DPH “ended data collection for the 2024-2025 viral respiratory season on June 28, 2025, and routine updates to their dashboard for the 2025-2026 season will resume later this summer.”
What is the current COVID-19 strain ‘Nimbus?’
As of early June, the new strain known as NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus,” made up 37% of COVID-19 cases nationwide.
Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January 2025 but accounted for about 0% of cases in the United States until May.
The World Health Organization added at the time that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are “expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.”
Virologists describe Nimbus as a “slightly upgraded” version of its predecessor. While there is no evidence it causes more severe disease, it appears to be highly transmissible.
What are the symptoms of Nimbus?
Reported symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are similar to other COVID-19 strains, but one distinctive complaint is a severe sore throat, sometimes described as “razor-blade throat fatigue.” Other symptoms may include:
- Mild cough
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nasal congestion
Are vaccines still effective?
Health experts say that updated COVID-19 vaccines remain the best protection against severe illness. Vaccination rates vary widely by state, and health officials continue to urge eligible individuals to stay current with their shots.
How can people get tested?
People can either take an at-home test or they can see their respective doctors.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
