The word “variant” once held a purely mathematical connotation. However, in 2020, it became inextricably linked to COVID-19 as the virus relentlessly mutated. Since then, a multitude of variants have emerged, infecting millions worldwide. Now, years after the initial outbreak, a new variant has surfaced – XEC – raising concerns about a potential coronavirus surge in Europe and the United States in the coming months.
What is the XEC Variant?
The XEC COVID-19 variant is a sub-lineage of the infamous Omicron variant. Medical experts have identified XEC as a hybrid of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, a sort of “love child” of these two existing strains, as Forbes aptly described it. KS.1.1 is a type of FLiRT variant, known for contributing to a global surge in COVID cases. KP.3.3, on the other hand, is a FLuQE variant, where the amino acid glutamine mutates to glutamic acid, enhancing its binding efficiency to human cells.
Where has XEC Been Detected?
XEC was first detected in Berlin, Germany, in June. Its spread has since extended to the United Kingdom, the US, Denmark, and several other countries. A report from August indicates that 10% of Slovenia’s COVID cases were attributed to this variant. To date, over 500 samples from 27 countries, including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal, and China, have been found to contain XEC. Scripps Research’s “Outbreak.info” webpage reveals that, as of September 3, XEC has been detected in 15 countries and 12 US states.
Dr. Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, stated on X, “At this juncture, the XEC variant appears to be the most likely one to get legs next.” He further predicted that it may take “many weeks, a couple months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave.” COVID data analyst Mike Honey similarly observed that XEC is rapidly becoming the dominant variant. He noted its strong growth in Denmark and Germany (17% caseload) and the UK and Netherlands (11-13%).
Is XEC Spreading Quickly?
While XEC is not currently the dominant strain, experts believe it has the potential to become one. Data suggests that it is spreading more readily than other variants, though the precise reason remains unclear. Some point to its hybrid nature, stemming from the highly transmissible KP.3.1.1, as a possible contributing factor. Earlier, KP.3.1.1 led to a COVID surge in 80 countries, earning the moniker “Summer of COVID.” Dr. Mark Cameron, Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, stated, “Just like JN.1 emerged from BA.2.86 late last year to drive new COVID infections through last fall and winter, XEC may have similar potential. But we need to know more about the XEC variant and perhaps those still to come.” Professor Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, also confirmed the XEC variant’s increased contagiousness. He told the BBC that XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” and may become the dominant variant this winter.
What are the Symptoms of the XEC Variant?
Individuals infected with the XEC variant will exhibit symptoms reminiscent of the Omicron variant. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. The NHS, the UK’s health agency, has also listed the same symptoms for those affected by the XEC variant.
How to Stay Safe
Experts emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective defense against the XEC variant. The newly released vaccines are believed to be effective against KP.2, a predecessor of KP.3.1.1, and are expected to provide some protection against XEC as well. Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, informed the Los Angeles Times that the new vaccines would offer a degree of protection against XEC “because there is some overlap, because these are all sub, sub, sub-grandchildren of the original Omicron. So there is still going to be some level of protection there.” She further stated, “We’re not like in a new Greek letter — they’re not that much different; it’s not like something completely new.” The CDC has also urged individuals to practice good hygiene measures.
