The World Health Organisation (WHO) in May 2025 detected a new variant, NB.1.8.1, of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), popularly known as “razor blade throat” due to its distinct symptom of a severe sore throat.
According to the WHO, the new variant is a recombinant descendant of the XDV.1.5.1 lineage, which has been steadily rising in prevalence since its earliest known sample collected on 22 January 2025.
“As of 18 May 2025, there were 518 NB.1.8.1 sequences submitted to GISAID [7] from 22 countries, representing 10.7% of the globally available sequences in epidemiological week 17 of 2025 (21 to 27 April 2025),” the WHO says.
Symptoms and Prevention
- Clinically, NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants. However, some patients have reported a painful sore throat, which is described as feeling like “razor blades.”
- Despite its genetic differences, “currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease,” according to the WHO.
The resurgence of COVID-19 in Ghana
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the University of Ghana recently announced a resurgence of COVID-19 among the student population, cautioning the public to adhere to all protocols to reduce the spread of the disease.
As of July 1, 2025, a total of 316 suspected cases have been reported at the University of Ghana, of which 107 have been confirmed as COVID-19, with no hospitalisation or death.
Speaking during parliamentary proceedings on July 1, 2025, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said:
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“Mr. Speaker, as at now, 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, Mr. Speaker, there are no hospitalisations and more importantly, no deaths. Mr. Speaker, so far, the outbreak is limited to the university community. It has not spread widely to other parts of Accra or the rest of the country. As I mentioned earlier, all confirmed cases are recovering well.”
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Fever and chills
Sore throat
Muscle aches and heavy arms or legs
Severe fatigue or tiredness
Runny or blocked nose, or sneezing
Headache
Sore eyes and dizziness
New and persistent cough
Chest tightness or pain
Shortness of breath
Hoarse voice
Numbness or tingling
Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea
Loss or change of sense of taste or smell and
Difficulty sleeping.
According to the WHO, individuals infected with COVID-19 may experience a wide range of symptoms, which typically appear 5 to 6 days after exposure and can last up to 14 days.
Recommended Preventive Measures
- Get the COVID-19 vaccination
- Avoid crowds and keep a safe distance from others
- Wear a properly fitted mask if you feel unwell, or in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Dispose off used tissues immediately and clean your hands
- Self-isolate if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 until you recover.
