A new variant of Covid, known as XEC, is beginning to spread across Europe, and experts are raising concerns about its increased contagiousness. Scientists have indicated that XEC may soon become the dominant strain of the virus on the continent. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, stated in a post that XEC is showing signs of rapid spread and is likely to gain momentum in the coming weeks.
Originating as a sublineage of the omicron variant, XEC was first identified in Berlin, Germany, in June before spreading to other regions such as North America and Asia. Data from Covid analysts suggests that XEC is gaining ground, with countries like Slovenia reporting high rates of infection involving the variant. XEC is a genetic hybrid of omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, retaining certain mutations that distinguish it from other strains.
Notably, XEC shares symptoms with previous Covid variants, which include fever, sore throat, cough, loss of smell, loss of appetite, and body aches. Despite its increased transmissibility, experts advise that staying up to date with vaccinations and booster shots can provide adequate protection against severe illness and hospitalisation caused by XEC. The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention also recommends maintaining good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of infection.
Researchers stress the importance of closely monitoring the XEC variant to gain a better understanding of its characteristics and behaviour. With over 500 samples from 27 countries already confirmed to contain XEC, health authorities worldwide are working to track and contain the spread of this new strain. As the virus continues to evolve, staying vigilant and following public health guidelines remain crucial in combating the ongoing threat posed by Covid variants like XEC.