New coronavirus variant XEC may spread more easily than previous variants
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A new covid-19 variant called XEC has started spreading in many parts of the world, especially in Europe. Early evidence suggests this virus may be more easily transmitted than past variants, but public health experts say the virus is very similar to previous virus variants. states that the available vaccines are effective against the virus. Here's what we know so far about XEC:
What is the new covid-19 XEC variant?
XEC is a combination of two other SARS-CoV-2 variants known as KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. The virus is formed when two mutants infect the same organism (such as a person) at the same time and share genetic material.
XEC is a genetic derivative of Omicron, a highly transmissible variant that first emerged in South Africa in 2021. “You can think of these new variants as great-grandchildren or grandsons of Omicron,” says William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee. This means it shares many of the same characteristics as other omicron subvariants, such as spreading easily and being less severe than earlier SARS-CoV-2 strains.
When and where was XEC identified?
XEC was first identified in August in coronavirus samples collected in Berlin two months earlier.
The first cases of the variant occurred in Italy in May. However, these samples were not uploaded to the Global Initiative for Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), an international database that tracks variants of SARS-CoV-2, until September.
How many cases of XEC are there?
According to GISAID data, more than 600 cases of XEC have been reported in 27 countries, including the UK, Germany, Canada, and the US. However, “the XEC variant is likely to be present in more countries as not all countries consistently report data to GISAID,” said Banu of the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe.・Mr. Bhatnagar says:
Bhatnagar said the variant is widespread in Europe and has been detected in at least 13 countries. So far, XEC accounts for about 8 percent of all samples sequenced and reported from the continent this month, according to GISAID data. In contrast, it accounted for about 4% of the August sample. The most commonly sequenced variant in Europe remains KP.3.1.1 (also in the micron family), accounting for 48 percent of all samples, Bhatnagar said.
XEC is most prevalent in France, accounting for about 21 percent of sequenced covid-19 samples. It is also attracting attention in Germany and the UK, where they account for 15% and 8% of the samples sequenced, respectively, said Francois Ballou of University College London.
The new variant has also been detected in the United States, where it accounts for about 1 percent of cases, Barrow said. However, XEC is not listed on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) new coronavirus variant tracker, which targets variants when they account for 1 percent of all cases in a week.
What are the symptoms of XEC?
So far, XEC causes the same symptoms as other covid-19 variants, including fever, muscle aches and pains, sore throat, and cough. “We're going to listen to see if there might be any distinguishing features clinically,” Schaffner says. “We doubt it, but we always accept it.”
How dangerous is XEC?
Schaffner said XEC does not appear to be any more dangerous or cause more severe disease than past COVID-19 variants. The WHO has not designated it as a variant of concern. That's because it shares many of the same characteristics as other omicron subvariants, including causing milder illness than earlier strains, Schaffner said.
Is XEC easily contagious?
WHO's James Fielding says it is too early to tell whether XEC is more transmissible than other variants. However, given that other variants have gained a foothold in circulation, it may have the advantage of being able to spread more easily.
For example, preliminary analysis by Mike Honey, a data specialist based in Melbourne, Australia, suggests that XEC will become the predominant variant in Europe and the United Kingdom in October. He predicts the same thing will happen in the U.S. and Canada later this month or in November.
“I think we'll just have to wait and see how widespread this particular strain becomes,” Schaffner said.
Are covid-19 vaccines effective against XEC?
The good news is that current COVID-19 vaccines can be expected to protect against XEC, Schaffner says. This is because the updated version targets the Omicron subvariant.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the latest covid-19 booster vaccination if they haven't already done so this year. In the UK, the latest vaccines are now available to people aged 75 and over, as well as those living in aged care facilities and those with weakened immune systems.
Ultimately, Schaffner says there's no reason to panic about XEC. “The virus is rampant, but it seems to be following the same pattern (as previous viruses),” he said. “My answer is this: It's always been the same.”
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