Epidemic News: Rising Global COVID-19 Activity

Global COVID-19 Trends in 2025

In May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a noticeable increase in global SARS-CoV-2 activity, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. Test positivity rates in some countries have reached as high as 11%, while regions like Europe, Africa, and the Americas report much lower rates, around 2–3%.

This renewed wave reminds public health officials and diagnostic suppliers alike that COVID-19 remains a global health threat, requiring continued vigilance, monitoring, and preparedness.

A New Variant on the Rise: NB.1.8.1

As of April 2025, a newly identified variant named NB.1.8.1 is quickly gaining ground worldwide. It has already replaced previous dominant strains like XEC and LP.8.1 in certain areas.

Key spike protein mutations in NB.1.8.1 include T22N, F59S, G184S, A435S, V445H, and T478I, which may contribute to increased transmissibility and immune escape.

Between April 21 and 27 (Epidemiological Week 17), NB.1.8.1 accounted for 10.7% of all global SARS-CoV-2 sequences, up from 2.5% just one month earlier.

Vaccination Rates Remain Low Among High-Risk Groups

Despite the ongoing risk, vaccination coverage among priority populations remains alarmingly low:

• Only 1.7% of older adults received COVID-19 vaccines between January and September 2024.

• Among healthcare workers, the rate is just 1.0%.

• Regional uptake varies widely, with Europe reporting the highest (5.1%) and other regions less than 0.5%.

The WHO’s Technical Advisory Group recommends monovalent vaccines targeting JN.1 or KP.2, and confirms LP.8.1 as an appropriate alternative.

Importance of Surveillance, Diagnostics, and Testing Solutions

As new variants like NB.1.8.1 emerge and circulate globally, early detection and genetic surveillance are more important than ever. Laboratories, hospitals, and diagnostic manufacturers must:

• Increase PCR and antigen testing capacity.

• Ensure variant-specific detection capabilities.

• Encourage routine screening for high-risk individuals.

At Bioteke, we remain committed to delivering high-quality, rapid, and multiplex diagnostic solutions—including respiratory antigen tests and nucleic acid PCR kits—to support global monitoring efforts.

WHO Recommendations for 2025

The WHO emphasizes the following public health actions:

1. Strengthen genomic surveillance of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.

2. Maintain targeted vaccination for high-risk populations.

3. Monitor hospitalizations and ICU data.

4. Keep public health responses flexible and risk-based.

Although current evidence does not suggest increased disease severity with NB.1.8.1, the risk of future waves persists, especially in regions with low immunity or limited healthcare access.

How Diagnostic Manufacturers Can Prepare

Diagnostic providers should:

• Update product pipelines to match emerging variants.

• Collaborate with global health agencies and distributors.

• Prioritize test kit availability in outbreak-prone regions.

Whether you're a distributor, clinic, or lab, now is the time to reassess your COVID-19 diagnostic strategy. Our team at Bioteke is ready to support your evolving needs.

[Reference]

WHO. COVID-19 - Global Situation