As winter tightens its grip, South Africa is bracing for a potential new wave of COVID-19, triggered by a fast-moving Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1. Though not yet detected locally, this variant has already surfaced in 22 countries, prompting national health authorities to intensify monitoring efforts and re-emphasize the importance of vaccinations.
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) are keeping a close eye on the global situation. They’re also tracking the XEC subvariant—another Omicron strain—already present in Western Cape and Gauteng, with 16 confirmed cases since September 2024. While these numbers remain relatively low, the combination of rising flu cases and new COVID threats has experts urging the public not to let their guard down.
Dr. Lerato Mkhize, spokesperson for the NICD, emphasized that while there’s no cause for panic, the potential for increased transmissibility makes NB.1.8.1 worth watching closely. The message is clear: stay ahead, not behind. “Vaccinations and basic precautions like handwashing remain our best defense,” she said.
Despite scattered social media claims of COVID-like symptoms, health officials caution that limited testing might be blurring the full picture. No formal restrictions are being reintroduced at this stage, but winter could quickly change the stakes.
In a climate already strained by seasonal illness, the call to action is timely: get vaccinated, stay alert, and don’t let pandemic fatigue open the door to another resurgence.
