Cambodia Health Ministry urges vigilance as new COVID variant spreads in region

PHNOM PENH, May 25, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant as a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, spreads across parts of Asia.

In a statement, the ministry said the strain has been detected in several countries in the Western Pacific region, including China, Singapore and Hong Kong.

NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the Omicron JN.1 lineage. The World Health Organization classified it as a “Variant Under Monitoring” on May 23, 2025, following a sharp rise in reported cases and sequencing data, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.

Health officials stressed there is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness, higher hospitalization rates or increased deaths compared with earlier Omicron variants.

Cambodia recorded cases of the strain between May and December 2025. A new infection was confirmed on May 18, 2026, through the country’s infectious disease surveillance system among hospital patients.

The ministry urged the public to continue preventive measures such as wearing masks, frequent handwashing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

People with symptoms including fever, cough, headache, runny nose or breathing difficulties were advised to seek medical care promptly.

Authorities also encouraged citizens to complete all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses, to strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of infection.