A new Covid-19 variant, XEC, is spreading quickly and has already been identified in 27 countries. This variant emerged in the aftermath of the global pandemic that severely affected the world for over two years, starting in 2019.
Scientists have raised alarms about the XEC variant, which is known to be “more contagious.” According to a report by The Independent, the variant is spreading rapidly across Europe and could soon become the dominant strain. Researchers had earlier predicted in August that XEC could gain momentum within weeks or months.
A report by the BBC stated that the XEC variant was first detected in Germany in June and has since been found in countries such as the UK, the US, Denmark, and others. To date, over 500 samples from 27 nations, including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal, and China, have tested positive for the XEC variant.
What Do We Know About the XEC Variant?
XEC is a sublineage of the Omicron variant and was initially reported in Berlin, Germany, in June. According to Covid data analyst Mike Honey, it is now spreading “quite rapidly” across Europe, North America, and Asia. XEC is a hybrid variant, combining elements of earlier Omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.
In August, Slovenia experienced a notable surge in XEC infections, with more than 10% of its Covid-19 case samples containing this variant. Experts have expressed concerns that XEC carries mutations that could make it more transmissible during the autumn months. Despite this, vaccinations remain effective in preventing severe illness. For individuals at higher risk, a booster shot is recommended as a precaution.
Expert Opinions
Prof. François Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that while the XEC variant has a slight transmission advantage over recent variants, vaccines are still expected to offer strong protection. He cautioned that XEC could dominate the upcoming winter wave.
Symptoms of XEC to Watch For
The symptoms associated with the XEC variant are similar to those of previous Covid-19 strains. These include:
- High temperature
- Fatigue and body aches
- Cough or sore throat
Most individuals recover within a few weeks, though some may experience prolonged symptoms, according to BBC reports.
As XEC continues to spread, experts advise staying updated on vaccination and taking necessary precautions, especially as the winter season approaches.
