As per reports, the Cambodian Ministry of Health urged the public to remain vigilant after detecting a new case of the COVID‑19 Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1 on Monday (18 May).

The Ministry of Health issued a press release on Sunday (24 May) to clarify details following the detection of a COVID‑19 Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1 case.

• The case was identified through the national disease surveillance system among patients who sought medical treatment at hospitals.
• The ministry stated that several countries in the Western Pacific region, including China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, have reported ongoing circulation of the NB.1.8.1 subvariant.
• Health officials confirmed that while the variant is being closely monitored, there is currently no scientific evidence indicating that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or higher mortality compared to previously circulating Omicron strains.