XEC: What we know about the new COVID-19 variant and its symptoms

A new COVID-19 variant called XEC has begun to spread globally, primarily in Europe. Early evidence suggests it may be more transmissible than previous strains, but public health experts say the new variant is very similar to previous strains and that available vaccines are effective against it. Here’s what we know about XEC so far.

What is the new COVID-19 XEC variant?

XEC is a combination of two different SARS-CoV-2 variants, known as KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. It was formed when two variants were able to simultaneously infect the same organism (animal or human) and share genetic material.

XEC is a genetic offshoot of Omicron, a highly contagious variant that first emerged in South Africa in 2021. “You can think of these new variants as great-grandchildren or great-grandchildren of Omicron,” he says. William Schaffner at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee. That means it shares many of the same characteristics as other Omicron subvariants: it spreads easily and causes less severe disease than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.

When and where was XEC discovered?

XEC was first identified in August among COVID-19 samples collected in Berlin two months ago.

The earliest case of this variant was in Italy in May, but the sample was not included in the international database that tracks SARS-CoV-2 variants. Global initiative to share all influenza data (GSAID) Until September.

How many XEC cases are there?

According to GSAID data, more than 600 cases of XEC have been reported in 27 countries, including the UK, Germany, Canada, and the US. However, “not all countries report data to GSAID consistently, so it is likely that the XEC variant is present in many more countries,” it says. Banu Bhatnagar From the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe.

According to Bhatnagar, the variant is prevalent in Europe, with at least 13 countries reporting it. So far, XEC has made up about 8% of all samples sequenced and reported on the continent this month, according to GSAID data. By comparison, it made up about 4% of samples in August. The most commonly sequenced variant in Europe remains KP.3.1.1 (Omicron lineage), making up 48% of all samples, Bhatnagar says.

XEC is most prevalent in France, accounting for about 21% of sequenced COVID-19 samples. It is also gaining popularity in Germany and the UK, accounting for 15% and 8% of sequenced samples, respectively. Francois Balou At the University of London.

The new variant has also been found in the United States, where it accounts for about 1% of cases, Balloux said. But XEC is not the only one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).) COVID-19 Variant TrackerThis includes variants that account for 1% of all cases over a week.

What are the symptoms of XEC?

So far, XEC has caused the same symptoms as other COVID-19 variants: fever, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches. “We’re going to be listening to see if there are any clinically unique features,” Schaffner says. “We’re suspicious, but we’re always open to that.”

How risky is XEC?

Schaffner says XEC does not appear to be more dangerous or cause more severe disease than previous COVID-19 variants. The WHO has not designated XEC as a variant of concern. Schaffner says this is because it shares many of the same characteristics as other Omicron subvariants, including causing milder disease than previous strains.

Is XEC better communicated?

It is too early to say whether XEC is more contagious than other variants. James Fielding From WHO. But given that it has gained a foothold among other circulating variants, it may have the advantage of being more easily spread.

For example, preliminary analysis by Australian data expert Mike Honey suggests that XEC will be the dominant variant. europe and uk In October, he predicts the same thing will happen. Us and Canada Late that month or November.

“How widely [spread] “I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens with this particular strain,” Schaffner says.

Are COVID-19 vaccines still effective against XEC?

The good news is that current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be protective against XEC, Schaffner says, because the updated version targets the Omicron sub-variant.

that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention We recommend that everyone 6 months of age or older who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine this year receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. ukThe updated vaccine is available to people 75 years of age and older, residents of nursing homes and people with weakened immune systems.

Ultimately, Schaffner says there’s no reason to panic about XEC: “The virus is just getting started, but it seems to be following the same pattern. [as past ones]”He says, “My answer is: Same old, same old.”