What We Know About the New Covid Variant XEC Spreading Rapidly in Europe and the US

A new Covid-19 variant, XEC, is “spreading rapidly” and has been detected in 27 countries, marking a concerning development in the ongoing pandemic that has impacted the world since its onset in 2019.

The XEC variant, noted for its increased transmissibility, is gaining traction across Europe and could soon become the dominant strain, according to a report by the Independent. Scientists had anticipated in August that this variant might accelerate in prevalence within weeks to a few months.

First identified in Germany in June, XEC has since been reported in countries including the UK, US, Denmark, and more. To date, over 500 samples from 27 countries, including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal, and China, have tested positive for XEC.

What Do We Know About the XEC Variant?

XEC is a sublineage of the omicron variant, initially discovered in Berlin, Germany, in June. It is now spreading “quite rapidly” across Europe, North America, and Asia, according to Covid data analyst Mike Honey. In August, Slovenia saw a significant prevalence of XEC, with over 10% of Covid case samples in the country identified as this variant.

XEC is a hybrid of earlier omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.

What Are the Symptoms of XEC Covid?

The symptoms associated with XEC are believed to be similar to those of previous cold or flu-like illnesses, including fever, aches, fatigue, and a cough or sore throat,. While most individuals recover within a few weeks, recovery can sometimes take longer. Honey also noted a “strong growth” of XEC cases in Denmark and Germany.

The reduction in routine testing makes it challenging to gauge the current level of Covid circulation. However, the Independent report suggests that, as XEC is still a sub-lineage of omicron, staying up-to-date with vaccines and booster shots should offer adequate protection against severe illness and hospitalization. The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention also recommends maintaining good hygiene and ensuring well-ventilated spaces. Researchers emphasize the need for closer monitoring of XEC to better understand its impact and symptoms.