A new COVID-19 variant known for causing a severe sore throat is spreading quickly in California.
The variant, called Nimbus, is now the second most common variant in the state– and the fastest growing, according to California’s Health Data Tracker CalCAT. It shares typical COVID symptoms like fever and cough, but some patients have reported severely dry and cracked throats.
The World Health Organization said there is no evidence Nimbus causes more severe illness than other variants. However, some studies suggest it’s more contagious.
CDC data also shows the variant makes up 37% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
While San Luis Obispo County does not track specific Covid variants, local data show 33 positive professional COVID tests since the beginning of the month. That’s down from a peak of 50 in May.
Nationally, COVID-19 cases often rise between June and August, as summer travel and social gatherings increase.
Health officials are urging people to get their boosters to stay protected.
