HCM City, May 25 -- Ho Chi Minh City has confirmed its first cases of a new COVID-19 variant, known as NB.1.8.1, which has also been identified in 22 other countries around the globe. Scientists have discovered that NB.1.8.1, a sub-lineage of XDV.1, is present in 83% of recent gene sequencing samples taken from COVID-19 patients in the city. It appears to have emerged through genetic recombination with other variants. In Taiwan (China), this variant has become the dominant strain, particularly affecting unvaccinated individuals and the elderly. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US also reported its presence among international travellers. Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Deputy Director of the city's Department of Healt...