'Highly contagious' XEC COVID variant spreading rapidly in 27 nations
The XEC COVID-19 variant, a hybrid of earlier omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, is spreading swiftly across Europe and other regions including the United States and China. First detected in Germany in June 2024, it has now been identified in 27 countries worldwide. Experts have observed a "slight transmission advantage" of XEC over other variants due to its rapid spread.
XEC variant's presence and potential impact
The XEC variant is especially prevalent in Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Professor Francois Balloux from University College London anticipates that while XEC might spread more this autumn, current vaccines are expected to prevent severe cases. Eric Topol from the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California also noted that "XEC is definitely taking charge... But it's months off from getting into high levels."
XEC variant symptoms and prevention measures
Symptoms of the XEC variant resemble those of previous COVID-19 variants, including fever, cough, loss of smell and appetite, body aches. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose. Vaccines and booster shots are recommended for protection against severe illness and hospitalization. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises maintaining good hygiene and ensuring cleaner air to reduce the virus' spread.
XEC variant's genetic composition and transmissibility
The XEC variant is a hybrid of the earlier omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, currently dominant in Europe. It might have an advantage from its unusual T22N mutation, combined with FLuQE mutations. Key differences with earlier variants include higher transmissibility and specific mutations enhancing its ability to bind to human cells. However, early reports suggest it is not significantly more dangerous in terms of severity compared to previous variants.
Vaccine effectiveness against XEC variant
According to experts, vaccines and booster shots remain a crucial defense against XEC. The CDC recommends that anyone aged six months and above take the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Doctors underlined that existing vaccinations targeting Omicron variations are expected to be effective against XEC because the variant is not significantly different from earlier strains. Vaccines should continue to protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death, they added.
