As the world starts to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new variant known as XEC has been identified and is quickly gaining ground across Europe. Health authorities are raising alarms as this more contagious variant threatens to become the dominant strain in the coming months. Discovered in Germany in June, XEC has spread to several countries, including the UK, US, and Denmark, prompting experts to issue warnings about its potential impact.
Emergence of the XEC Variant
XEC is classified as a sublineage of the Omicron variant, which was responsible for a significant wave of COVID-19 infections globally in late 2021 and early 2022. Like other Omicron subvariants, XEC is believed to have a high rate of transmissibility. What sets XEC apart, however, are specific mutations that make it more contagious. This means it could outcompete other strains and circulate widely, especially during the autumn and winter seasons.
Since its identification, XEC has been detected in over 500 samples across 27 countries, including Poland, Norway, and China. Countries like Denmark, Germany, and the UK have seen the most rapid increase in cases, leading experts to believe that XEC could soon become the predominant variant across Europe. Scientists are especially concerned because XEC may possess a slight "transmission advantage," meaning it could spread faster than other variants currently circulating.
A Hybrid Strain
What makes XEC particularly interesting from a scientific perspective is that it is a recombinant strain—a hybrid born out of two earlier Omicron subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Currently, KS.1.1 is the dominant strain in Europe, but XEC appears to be catching up quickly. Experts believe that XEC's hybrid nature gives it a competitive edge, allowing it to spread more efficiently than its predecessors. This variant also carries a unique T22N mutation, along with other genetic modifications, which may further enhance its ability to infect people.
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Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of the XEC variant largely mirror those of earlier COVID-19 variants. People infected with XEC are likely to experience fever, sore throat, cough, and loss of smell—common symptoms seen in many COVID cases. Other symptoms include body aches, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, experts believe that vaccines and booster shots continue to provide protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
As with previous variants, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising the public to continue practising good hygiene, including regular handwashing and wearing masks in crowded places. Improving air quality in indoor spaces is also encouraged as an effective preventive measure against airborne transmission.
At this juncture, the XEC variant appears to be the most likely one to get legs next. Its current status nicely tracked by @Mike_Honey_ 's threadhttps://t.co/4AnLa3MXfz — Eric Topol (@EricTopol) September 15, 2024
Vaccines Offer Continued Protection
One of the most pressing questions surrounding the XEC variant is whether current vaccines will remain effective against it. Fortunately, experts are optimistic. Since XEC is still part of the Omicron lineage, existing vaccines are expected to provide protection against severe disease caused by this variant. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, which targets Omicron subvariants, should continue to reduce the risk of serious illness, even if the variant spreads more widely.
Health authorities, including the CDC, recommend that everyone aged six months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine. This updated booster is tailored to offer stronger protection against recent variants, including XEC. The vaccine is expected to reduce the chances of hospitalisation and death, even as new variants emerge.
A Potential Winter Surge
While the XEC variant is still in its early stages of spreading, experts are concerned that it could lead to a significant rise in COVID-19 cases during the winter months. Infectious disease specialists warn that XEC could take several weeks or even months before it triggers a large wave of infections. However, its rapid spread in countries like Denmark and Germany indicates that it may have the potential to cause a notable uptick in cases soon.
Despite the concerns, health officials remain confident that vaccines will help mitigate the worst effects of XEC. The public is encouraged to stay vigilant, get vaccinated, and continue practising basic preventive measures to help curb the spread of this new variant.
Final Thoughts
The rapid spread of the XEC variant serves as a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. While vaccines and booster shots continue to offer a strong defence against severe illness, the emergence of new variants like XEC shows that the virus remains adaptable. As health officials closely monitor its progression, the public must remain cautious and follow recommended guidelines to minimise the impact of this new variant.
In the meantime, researchers and health agencies worldwide are working to better understand the unique features of XEC, particularly its transmissibility and potential impact on public health in the coming months.