New Covid Variant Symptom Stuns MT Health Officials

BUTTE, MT - While most of us in Montana have gotten back to everyday life after the peak of the pandemic, a new COVID-19 variant is making headlines—and it comes with a strange twist that health officials say you should know about.

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The World Health Organization is monitoring a new variant, named NB.1.8.1, that’s quietly spreading across the country.

And don’t let the “low risk” label fool you, as this variant has one odd symptom raising eyebrows.

Familiar Symptoms, With a Twist

Montanans are no strangers to cold and flu season, especially after our long winters.

But health experts say the NB.1.8.1 variant is showing up with a familiar mix of symptoms—dry, lingering coughs, congestion, fevers, sore throats, muscle aches, and chills.

Many infected also report feeling completely wiped out, more so than the usual post-workweek fatigue.

What makes NB.1.8.1 stand out? According to recent reports, this variant seems particularly good at sneaking past our immune defenses. That means it's more transmissible than previous strains, including the last major variant that was dominant in early 2024.

The “Bizarre” Symptom

Here's the kicker: the defining symptom of NB.1.8.1 isn't what it causes—but how it spreads.

Because it slips past immune protections more easily, people may carry and transmit the virus before they even realize they’re sick.

That makes it harder to detect and easier to unknowingly spread in public settings like schools, grocery stores, or crowded events.

Montana hasn’t reported a surge yet, but with summer travel ramping up and many Montanans visiting or hosting family from out of state, it’s something to keep an eye on.

Should You Be Worried?

At this point, officials stress that NB.1.8.1 is not leading to more severe illness, and current public health risk remains low.

Still, staying informed is key—especially in rural areas of Montana where hospital access may be limited.

If you feel under the weather or develop unusual fatigue, a dry cough, or congestion, consider getting tested—especially if you’ve been around vulnerable populations or traveled recently.

Final Thoughts

We all know how quickly things can change.

While this variant doesn’t seem to pose a major threat for now, it’s worth paying attention to.

After all, Montana’s vast landscapes may keep us far apart, but viruses don’t respect state lines.

Stay alert, stay informed—and if you’re feeling off, don’t brush it off.