New XEC Covid variant, which is highly contagious, spreading rapidly in 27 nations: What you need to know
New XEC Covid variant: A new and highly contagious variant of Covid-19, named XEC, is spreading swiftly across Europe and could soon become the dominant strain, according to recent reports. First identified in Germany in June 2024, the XEC variant is now present in multiple countries, including the UK, US, Denmark, and others. Experts warn that this variant, a sublineage of the Omicron variant, could lead to an increase in cases during the autumn months.
What Is the XEC Variant?
The XEC variant is a hybrid of two earlier Omicron subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, which have been dominant in parts of Europe. As of now, 500 samples containing the XEC variant have been reported in 27 countries, including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal, and China. The variant is seeing strong growth in Germany, Denmark, the UK, and the Netherlands, according to various reports, including from The Independent.
The rapid spread of XEC is attributed to new mutations that may give it a transmission advantage over other recent Covid-19 variants. However, experts believe that current vaccines should still provide good protection against severe illness caused by the variant.
Researchers have stressed that the XEC variant has a "slight transmission advantage" compared to other subvariants, which could help it spread more easily over the coming months. According to Professor Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, XEC could become the dominant Covid strain by winter 2024. However, he added that vaccines would continue to play a crucial role in preventing severe cases and hospitalisations.
Similarly, Dr Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, said while the XEC variant is "just getting started," it could take several weeks or even months for it to cause a significant wave of infections. "XEC is definitely taking charge. That does appear to be the next variant. But it's months off from getting into high levels," Topol noted.
Symptoms of XEC Covid Variant
The symptoms of the XEC variant remain similar to those associated with previous Covid-19 variants. These include: fever, sore throat, cough, loss of sense of smell, loss of appetite and body aches.
While the symptoms are largely consistent with other Omicron sublineages, experts say staying updated with vaccines and booster shots is critical. This will help provide sufficient protection against severe illness and potential hospitalisation.
- With inputs from agencies
