California is once again facing a COVID-19 threat, this time from a new variant called “Nimbus.” This new subvariant, officially named NB1.8.1, is part of the Omicron family and is spreading rapidly in the state. What makes it more concerning is a painful symptom it causes — what doctors are calling “razor blade throat.” People infected with this variant often feel as if their throat is cut or filled with sharp glass pieces, causing extreme discomfort.
According to the California Department of Public Health, Nimbus now makes up about 55% of all COVID-19 cases in the state. The variant first began spreading in May and has since become the dominant strain in California. In fact, across the country, it now accounts for 37% of all COVID-19 samples tested.
Experts say that unlike the early days of the pandemic, where loss of taste and smell or shortness of breath were the key symptoms, new variants like Nimbus bring different warning signs. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco, explained that the attention has now shifted to severe sore throat symptoms, which are a major feature of this new variant.
Another important tool that experts are using to track COVID-19 spread is wastewater surveillance. This involves testing wastewater from households and buildings to detect traces of the virus. Data from this method is showing a rise in virus levels across various parts of California.
Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, who works with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, explained the current situation in different regions:
Santa Barbara: Moderate to high virus levels
Ventura and Los Angeles counties: Low to moderate levels
Riverside County: Low virus levels
San Bernardino County: High virus activity
The California Department of Public Health confirmed that virus levels in the state’s wastewater rose by 13% in the ten-day period ending May 30. This increase explains the growing number of COVID-19 cases across the state.
In Santa Clara County, the virus levels are going up as summer continues. San José has recorded high levels of COVID-19 in its wastewater, while Palo Alto shows medium levels and Sunnyvale is currently at low levels. San Francisco still reports relatively fewer new cases compared to these areas, but officials remain on alert.
Experts believe that tracking wastewater is an early warning system that can help spot rising infections even before many people start showing symptoms or getting tested.
As cases begin to rise again, the situation is made more difficult by the new policies under the US Department of Health and Human Services. The department is now led by vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose decisions are making it harder for people to access COVID-19 vaccines. This has caused concern among health experts.
Thirty well-known medical organizations have written an open letter criticizing these new policies. They are urging people not to ignore the science and to take vaccines seriously. The letter stresses that getting vaccinated remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness or death from COVID-19, including new variants like Nimbus.
Doctors and public health officials continue to promote vaccine safety and encourage people to get booster shots, especially as new, fast-spreading variants continue to appear.
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The Nimbus subvariant belongs to the Omicron family, but it behaves differently in some ways. One major difference is the severe throat pain it causes — so intense that people describe it as feeling like their throat is filled with razor blades.
Medical professionals say that patients infected with Nimbus may not lose their sense of taste or smell, but they often report intense pain in the throat, making it hard to swallow or speak. In some cases, people also experience high fever, fatigue, and cough, but the sore throat is the main issue being highlighted.
Doctors are advising people to stay alert for these symptoms and get tested if they experience anything unusual. They also recommend staying hydrated, avoiding contact with others, and wearing masks in crowded indoor places.
While hospitals are not overwhelmed yet, health officials are closely monitoring the situation. If the number of serious cases starts rising, they may consider new guidelines or public health measures.
The rise of the Nimbus variant is a reminder that COVID-19 is still a threat, even in 2025. Although vaccines, treatments, and awareness have improved over the years, the virus continues to evolve and spread in new ways.
Officials say that even if current cases are not as deadly as earlier waves, the long-term health risks, including long COVID symptoms, cannot be ignored. People are advised to stay cautious, get vaccinated, and follow safety measures like handwashing and avoiding large indoor gatherings when case numbers are high.
For now, California remains at a “medium” level of COVID-19 activity, but with Nimbus spreading fast, health authorities are preparing for a possible increase in cases during the summer months. The state is depending on public awareness, testing, vaccination, and early data from wastewater to keep the situation under control.
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