A new COVID-19 variant called Nimbus is spreading in several parts of the world, causing a painful sore throat that some describe as feeling like razor blades.

The variant, officially known as NB.1.8.1, has been found in the United Kingdom, India, and parts of Southeast Asia and the western Pacific. By mid-May, Nimbus made up about 11 percent of COVID-19 cases globally that scientists had tracked.

Doctors say this variant can lead to more hospital visits but does not cause more severe illness than earlier COVID-19 strains. Health experts stress that current COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against Nimbus.

The World Health Organization has listed Nimbus as a “variant under monitoring” and says the global health risk from this variant is low.

In the United States, some cases of Nimbus have been detected in travelers at airports in states such as California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.

Health officials continue to encourage people to get vaccinated. Vaccines remain the best way to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to update guidance on vaccines soon. Meanwhile, people are advised to follow public health measures like wearing masks and staying home when sick.

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