UK Health Experts Monitor New COVID Variant XEC

The new COVID-19 variant, designated XEC, has been identified by health experts in the United Kingdom as part of preparations for the winter season, a period often associated with increased illness. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates a modest rise in hospital admissions, with the rate standing at 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week leading up to October 6, 2024. This marks the fourth consecutive weekly increase in admissions.

The emergence of XEC, coupled with these rising admission rates, has led to significant media attention and speculation regarding its potential impact. Social media discussions have even suggested that XEC could become the dominant strain and trigger a winter surge in cases. However, official health authorities, including the UKHSA, have not issued any urgent warnings concerning this particular variant.

Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, has acknowledged public concerns regarding the new variants but emphasized that current data does not suggest a heightened threat from XEC compared to other strains. “Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely,” Dr. Lopez Bernal commented.

XEC is part of the Omicron family, as confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The variant was first identified in May 2024 and is characterized as a recombinant of two existing strains, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, meaning it results from a genetic exchange between these strains. The WHO’s latest COVID-19 update from October 9, 2024, noted that XEC is among just two variants showing increasing prevalence globally.

In the UK, XEC accounted for 9.35% of COVID cases between September 2 and September 15, 2024, with another variant, KP.3.3, representing a larger share at 59.35%. While no symptoms specific to XEC have been identified by health organizations, it reportedly shares symptoms common to other COVID variants, including a high temperature, continuous cough, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, and nasal congestion.

Experts continue to study the process by which new variants arise, noting the potential for future mutations to gain advantages in surviving human immune responses. The possibility of new variants remains as the virus circulates, especially in populations that have acquired immunity to previous strains.

The UKHSA advises the public to protect themselves as COVID-19, along with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are considered the “three main winter threats.” Vaccinations against these infections are recommended, especially for certain groups. Individuals aged 65 and over, residents in care homes, and those with underlying health conditions are encouraged to receive both the latest COVID booster and flu jabs.

Additionally, frontline health and social care staff are eligible for COVID vaccinations, and the NHS is offering an RSV vaccination for the first time to specific age groups and expectant mothers to enhance protection for vulnerable individuals.