Emergence of New Covid Variant XEC Causes Concern Among Scientists

A newly identified Covid variant, XEC, has been detected in multiple regions, leading scientists to predict it might become the dominant variant in the near future. This variant was first found in Germany last June and has since appeared in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, and others.

The XEC variant features new mutations which might allow it to spread more effectively this autumn. Nonetheless, experts assure that existing vaccines should still provide protection against severe cases. For individuals at higher risk of serious illness from Covid-19, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK offers a complimentary booster shot.

These booster vaccines have been updated to better counter recent versions of the virus, though they do not specifically target the XEC variant, which has evolved from earlier Omicron subvariants. Professor Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, informed BBC News that the XEC variant has a minor transmission advantage over other current Covid variants. However, the vaccines should continue to confer significant protection. He mentioned the likelihood of XEC becoming the predominant subvariant during winter.

Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, stated that XEC is only beginning to spread. According to him, it might take several weeks or a couple of months before XEC potentially causes a significant surge in cases. It is believed that XEC could become the next dominant variant, though its impact will not be fully realized for months.

Signs of illness from the XEC variant are thought to resemble those of common cold or flu-like symptoms, with most individuals feeling better within a few weeks. Mike Honey, a Covid data analyst, has noted a “strong growth” of XEC cases especially in Denmark and Germany. Nevertheless, the reduced routine testing for Covid now makes it challenging to ascertain the virus’s widespread prevalence.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) noted that viral mutations are normal, and the agency continues monitoring all available data regarding emerging Covid variants, both domestically and internationally. Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, emphasized that vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness from Covid-19.

A recent update from Scripps Research detailed that XEC cases have been found in 27 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia. The XEC variant, alongside another emerging variant, MV.1, appears poised to become widespread.

Current data suggest that the XEC variant has been detected in countries like China, Ukraine, Norway, and Poland, totaling approximately 550 samples globally. Meanwhile, the MV.1 variant, first documented in Maharashtra, India, has spread to regions including Portugal, Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. has not confirmed any unique symptoms associated with the XEC variant. However, the CDC continues to advocate for vaccination for all individuals aged six months and older, regardless of previous vaccination or infection status, to provide protection against Covid-19.