COVID ‘Razor Blade Throat’ Rises as New Subvariant Spreads in California

A new, highly contagious COVID-19 subvariant nicknamed “Nimbus” (NB.1.8.1) is driving an uptick in cases across California, with projections showing it now makes up 55% of circulating virus in the state. Notably, the subvariant is associated with “razor blade throat” — an intensely painful sore throat symptom reported internationally and increasingly observed in the U.S.

Wastewater surveillance reveals moderate-to-high viral activity in some Southern California regions, with overall test positivity rates climbing. As traditional symptoms like loss of taste fade in prominence, public health officials are emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and clear communication as subvariant trends and symptom profiles evolve. Read the full article from LA Times here.