South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) as cases rise in India, Thailand, Indonesia and China.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi assured delegates at the ongoing G20 Health Working Group meeting in Johannesburg that South Africa’s surveillance systems remain robust.
“Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV,” Motsoaledi said on Tuesday.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated Nimbus “a variant under monitoring”, reflecting its growing presence.
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency recently confirmed 13 cases of Nimbus in England, adding to concerns about its transmissibility.
While the variant descends from Omicron, experts say there is no evidence it causes more severe illness.
Motsoaledi revealed that existing vaccines remain effective against Nimbus and no new public health restrictions are required.
He, however, urged citizens to maintain hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering coughs and staying home when unwell.
The G20 Health Working Group meeting, running until Friday, is focused on pandemic preparedness, expanding vaccine manufacturing, and improving access to life-saving tools in low- and middle-income countries.
JN/APA