New XEC COVID-19 Variant Emerges in the United States and Europe

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring a new COVID-19 variant known as XEC, which is showing increasing prevalence in the United States. The XEC strain is a recombinant, or hybrid, variant derived from the Omicron lineages KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. According to CDC spokesperson Rosa Norman, the strain is being observed for its potential impact and spread.

Initially identified in Berlin in late June, the XEC variant has begun to proliferate in several European countries including Germany, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands. According to a report by data specialist Mike Honey, hundreds of cases have been recorded in these nations. In the United States, CDC’s Nowcast data tracker indicated that the variant accounted for 10.7% of positive infections during the period from September 29 to October 12.

Despite its emergence, the KP.3.1.1 variant remains the dominant strain in the country, comprising 57.2% of cases during the same period. Health authorities continue to use tools like the National Wastewater Surveillance System to track viral activity levels across various regions, providing critical data for public health responses.

In Delaware, the number of COVID-19 cases has risen over the past month, with health authorities reporting 259 cases between September 29 and October 5. New Castle County reported the highest incidence with 129 cases.

Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also observed the spread of the XEC variant, noting an increase in hospital admission rates linked to this strain. The XEC variant is reportedly more transmissible due to its numerous mutations and presents symptoms similar to other COVID variants, such as tiredness, headaches, sore throats, and high temperatures.

The NHS in the UK advises self-isolation for those who test positive, although it is no longer a legal requirement. People are encouraged to avoid contact with others, particularly vulnerable groups, for a minimum of five to ten days depending on symptom persistence.