COVID ‘Razor Throat’ Variant Now Found in 15 US States: Here’s What We Know

Some doctors and outside health experts have said patients are reporting a sharp ‘razor blade’ throat or ‘razor throat.’

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. NIAID-RML/AP/The Canadian Press

The COVID-19 variant that has driven a rise in cases in mainland China is now detected in more than a dozen U.S. states, according to data released by a private tracking firm.

Earlier in the week, Chinese doctors predicted a peak of nationwide COVID-19 cases in July as the latest data released by Chinese health authorities show that variant NB 1.8.1 is still the main pathogen causing the rapid increase in COVID-19 infections in the country.