New COVID Variant Detected in the U.S.: A Reminder That Air Disinfection Still Matters
September 22, 2025
As of September 2025, a new COVID-19 variant — NB.1.8.1, nicknamed “Nimbus” — continues to circulate widely in the U.S., with CDC data showing it accounted for ~14% of cases by late August while another strain, XFG, currently dominates at ~78% (CDC). Earlier this summer, though, several health outlets noted that NB.1.8.1 briefly surged to become one of the most common strains (Health Matters, NY-Presbyterian, Fast Company).
The important point: while variants keep shifting, the science behind air disinfection does not.
What We Know About NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”)
- It’s part of the Omicron family, carrying new spike protein mutations that increase transmissibility and immune evasion (Medical News Today).
- No evidence yet shows it causes more severe disease than earlier strains, but it has contributed to rising U.S. case counts (Verywell Health).
- Symptoms are familiar: sore throat (often described as “razor-blade throat”), cough, fever, congestion, body aches, and fatigue. Some cases also report GI symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea (People).
- Updated vaccines and treatments like Paxlovid remain effective, especially at preventing severe illness (Weill Cornell Medicine).
- According to the CDC, COVID-related hospitalizations began trending upward in late summer. For example, the U.S. saw 1.7 hospitalizations per 100,000 people for the week ending August 9, compared to 0.8 per 100,000 in mid-June (CDC COVID Data Tracker).
And the reminder that matters most: COVID is still spreading through the air — especially indoors.
Aerapy’s UV Technology Is Proven — Regardless of Variant
At Aerapy, we’ve tested our UV devices directly against SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — and achieved a >99.99% inactivation rate in a single air pass. Here’s why that matters for variants like Nimbus:
- Mutations in the spike protein may help the virus evade antibodies.
- But those mutations do not protect the virus from UV-C light.
- Whether it’s Delta, Omicron, or NB.1.8.1, our germicidal UV destroys the virus at its core.
That’s why we say: UV disinfection is variant-proof.
What You Can Do Today
The rise of a new variant isn’t a reason to panic — but it is a reason to stay proactive. Indoor air quality is no longer optional; it’s central to health and safety. Steps you can take now:
- Review your HVAC and air quality strategy.
- Add upper-room UV units in high-risk spaces (ensuring they’re tested safe for occupied rooms).
- Retrofit critical points with Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) devices.
- Educate your team and customers on why this matters.
- Choose upper-air UV systems that include internal fans to actively pull air through the UV zone, ensuring continuous circulation and maximum pathogen exposure.
Aerapy Has Been Ahead of the Curve
For over 17 years, we’ve helped facilities across healthcare, animal care, education, and food service stay prepared against outbreaks. Our UV disinfection systems have been proven in real-world settings to reduce airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold — long before “Nimbus” came along.
The truth is, new variants will keep appearing. The real question is whether facilities will stay a step behind — or a step ahead.
Let’s stay ahead, with science-driven, variant-proof UV technology. Contact us to learn how to protect your space by being proactive, not reactive.
HOW PROTECTED ARE YOU?
Aerapy's commercial-grade UV lights protect your clients, staff, and your business with proven UV disinfection technology. Contact us for more information.
Please send me more information.
New COVID Variant Detected in the U.S.: A Reminder That Air Disinfection Still Matters
September 22, 2025
As of September 2025, a new COVID-19 variant — NB.1.8.1, nicknamed “Nimbus” — continues to circulate widely in the U.S., with CDC data showing it accounted for ~14% of cases by late August while another strain, XFG, currently dominates at ~78% (CDC). Earlier this summer, though, several health outlets noted that NB.1.8.1 briefly surged to become one of the most common strains (Health Matters, NY-Presbyterian, Fast Company).
The important point: while variants keep shifting, the science behind air disinfection does not.
What We Know About NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”)
- It’s part of the Omicron family, carrying new spike protein mutations that increase transmissibility and immune evasion (Medical News Today).
- No evidence yet shows it causes more severe disease than earlier strains, but it has contributed to rising U.S. case counts (Verywell Health).
- Symptoms are familiar: sore throat (often described as “razor-blade throat”), cough, fever, congestion, body aches, and fatigue. Some cases also report GI symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea (People).
- Updated vaccines and treatments like Paxlovid remain effective, especially at preventing severe illness (Weill Cornell Medicine).
- According to the CDC, COVID-related hospitalizations began trending upward in late summer. For example, the U.S. saw 1.7 hospitalizations per 100,000 people for the week ending August 9, compared to 0.8 per 100,000 in mid-June (CDC COVID Data Tracker).
And the reminder that matters most: COVID is still spreading through the air — especially indoors.
Aerapy’s UV Technology Is Proven — Regardless of Variant
At Aerapy, we’ve tested our UV devices directly against SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — and achieved a >99.99% inactivation rate in a single air pass. Here’s why that matters for variants like Nimbus:
- Mutations in the spike protein may help the virus evade antibodies.
- But those mutations do not protect the virus from UV-C light.
- Whether it’s Delta, Omicron, or NB.1.8.1, our germicidal UV destroys the virus at its core.
That’s why we say: UV disinfection is variant-proof.
What You Can Do Today
The rise of a new variant isn’t a reason to panic — but it is a reason to stay proactive. Indoor air quality is no longer optional; it’s central to health and safety. Steps you can take now:
- Review your HVAC and air quality strategy.
- Add upper-room UV units in high-risk spaces (ensuring they’re tested safe for occupied rooms).
- Retrofit critical points with Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) devices.
- Educate your team and customers on why this matters.
- Choose upper-air UV systems that include internal fans to actively pull air through the UV zone, ensuring continuous circulation and maximum pathogen exposure.
Aerapy Has Been Ahead of the Curve
For over 17 years, we’ve helped facilities across healthcare, animal care, education, and food service stay prepared against outbreaks. Our UV disinfection systems have been proven in real-world settings to reduce airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold — long before “Nimbus” came along.
The truth is, new variants will keep appearing. The real question is whether facilities will stay a step behind — or a step ahead.
Let’s stay ahead, with science-driven, variant-proof UV technology. Contact us to learn how to protect your space by being proactive, not reactive.
HOW PROTECTED ARE YOU?
Aerapy's commercial-grade UV lights protect your clients, staff, and your business with proven UV disinfection technology. Contact us for more information.
Please send me more information.
