Scientists have sounded the alarm on a new Covid variant, identified as XEC, which could potentially become the dominant type. It was first detected in Germany in June, and cases have since emerged in the US, UK, and Denmark, among other countries, BBC reported. According to the report, the variant has new mutations that can help it spread during autumn, but experts believe that vaccines should help prevent severe cases.
According to The Independent, XEC is a hybrid of the earlier omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, which is currently dominant in Europe.
Professor Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC that although XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” over other recent Covid variants, vaccines should still offer good protection. He said XEC may become more dominant during the winter months.
XEC Covid Symptoms
According to the BBC report, the variant causes the same cold or flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature, body aches, tiredness, sore throat or a cough, loss of smell and loss of appetite. While most people feel better in a few weeks, some may take longer to recover.
Since the XEC variant is a sub-family of the omicron lineage, experts suggest that staying updated on the vaccines and booster shots should offer sufficient protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
Covid Numbers
Australia-based Covid data analyst Mike Honey said in a post on X that there has been “strong growth” of XEC in Denmark and Germany. Since there is a lot less testing than before, it is hard to know the actual number of Covid patients.
Recombinant variant XEC is continuing to spread, and looks a likely next challenger against the now-dominant DeFLuQE variants (KP.3.1.1.*).
Here are the leading countries reporting XEC. Strong growth in Denmark and Germany (16-17%), also the UK and Netherlands (11-13%).
🧵 pic.twitter.com/rLReeM9wF8
— Mike Honey (@Mike_Honey_) September 15, 2024
So far, over 500 samples from 27 countries, including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal and China, have been found to contain XEC, as per The Independent report. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised people to practise good hygiene and to take steps to strengthen access to cleaner air.
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