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The new COVID XEC variant has been identified in at least 27 countries; may become the dominant subvariant over the winter, says experts.

New COVID-19 XEC Variant global news: According to recent reports from across the world, a new 'highly contagious' COVID-19 variant dubbed as 'XEC' has been making headlines across Europe. This variant has also been identified in 27 other countries including Germany, Poland, Luxembourg, Norway, Ukraine, China, Denmark, UK, Portugal and the Netherlands. As per scientists, the variant was initially only identified in Germany in the month of June after which it has spread across the world. The XEC is a sublineage of the omicron variant and experts say that some new mutations may increase its spread this autumn.

XEC Covid-19 Variant: What Is It?

It is a hybrid version of the 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 the media that the new variant does have a transmission advantage over other Covid variants; however, the existing vaccines may prevent it from becoming severe. Vaccines are after all still a good source of protection. But, there is a catch. There is high risk that this variant may turn to become the dominant subvariant over the winter season.

Why Are Scientists Calling It 'Highly Contagious'?

According to the Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, in California, Eric Topol, the new XEC variant is "just getting started" and within months could become a dominant subvariant responsible for yet another wave. Scientists too have warned that the winter season may be the time when this variant becomes more dominant. It is currently not a dominant strain. According to the data, it is indeed spreading quite rapidly across the 27 countries the reason for which is yet unknown. It has been cited that the XEC is a hybrid of KP.3.1.1, which had previously led to a COVID-19 surge in almost 80 countries. It was called the 'Summer of COVID.'

New XEC COVID-19 Variant Spreading Rapidly In 27 Countries; How Contagious Is It?

The new COVID XEC variant has been identified in at least 27 countries; may become the dominant subvariant over the winter, says experts.

Written by Kinkini Gupta |Updated : September 18, 2024 7:35 PM IST

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New COVID-19 XEC Variant global news: According to recent reports from across the world, a new 'highly contagious' COVID-19 variant dubbed as 'XEC' has been making headlines across Europe. This variant has also been identified in 27 other countries including Germany, Poland, Luxembourg, Norway, Ukraine, China, Denmark, UK, Portugal and the Netherlands. As per scientists, the variant was initially only identified in Germany in the month of June after which it has spread across the world. The XEC is a sublineage of the omicron variant and experts say that some new mutations may increase its spread this autumn.

XEC Covid-19 Variant: What Is It?

It is a hybrid version of the 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 the media that the new variant does have a transmission advantage over other Covid variants; however, the existing vaccines may prevent it from becoming severe. Vaccines are after all still a good source of protection. But, there is a catch. There is high risk that this variant may turn to become the dominant subvariant over the winter season.

Why Are Scientists Calling It 'Highly Contagious'?

According to the Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, in California, Eric Topol, the new XEC variant is "just getting started" and within months could become a dominant subvariant responsible for yet another wave. Scientists too have warned that the winter season may be the time when this variant becomes more dominant. It is currently not a dominant strain. According to the data, it is indeed spreading quite rapidly across the 27 countries the reason for which is yet unknown. It has been cited that the XEC is a hybrid of KP.3.1.1, which had previously led to a COVID-19 surge in almost 80 countries. It was called the 'Summer of COVID.'

What Are The Symptoms Of XEC Covid?

According to experts, the symptoms of this new variant are the same as the previous ones. It includes:

1. Fever
2. Sore throat
3. Cough
4. Loss of sense of smell
5. Loss of appetite
6. Body aches

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reportedly advised people to practice precautionary measures and follow good hygiene. Experts reiterate the fact that if a person is up-to-date with the vaccines manufactured to prevent Omicron and its variants, you will be much safer. Make sure to take all the shots and booster doses. This alone can prevent prto4ection against severity and hospitalisations.



SOURCE: The health site