As COVID-19 continues to evolve, the XEC variant is making headlines in the United States. While the KP.3.1.1 variant currently dominates, representing almost 60% of positive cases, XEC is rapidly gaining ground, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Understanding the XEC Variant

Rosa Norman, a spokesperson for the CDC, confirmed to USA TODAY that the XEC variant is a hybrid, or recombinant, strain formed from the closely related Omicron lineages KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. This variant first emerged in Berlin in late June and has been reported in increasing numbers across Europe, including countries like Germany, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

As of the two-week reporting period from September 29 to October 12, the CDC's Nowcast data tracker indicates that the XEC variant accounted for 10.7% of positive infections in the U.S. — a significant increase from just 5.3% in the previous weeks.

Current Dominant Variants in the U.S.

The CDC's Nowcast data also provides insight into the most prevalent COVID-19 strains in the U.S. Currently, KP.3.1.1 leads with 57.2% of cases, followed by the newly proliferating XEC at 10.7%. The rise of both variants demonstrates the dynamic nature of the virus.

Wastewater Viral Activity

Recent data regarding wastewater viral activity levels, published by the CDC, shows varying degrees of COVID-19 presence across states. As of October 10, two states reported "Very High" levels of viral activity, while 14 states fell into the "High" category. In total, 15 states and one territory reported low or minimal activity levels.

Changes in COVID-19 Positivity Rates

From late September to early October, the CDC observed overall decreases in COVID-19 test positivity rates, with notable drops across various states. For example, Region 10, which comprises Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, experienced the largest decline at 2.7%. Overall, the national positivity rate was recorded at 7.7%.

Identifying COVID-19 Symptoms

While there are currently no unique symptoms linked specifically to the XEC variant or the dominant KP.3.1.1 variant, the CDC continues to emphasize the range of common COVID-19 symptoms. These can manifest anywhere from two to 14 days post-exposure, and symptoms include:

- Fever or chills - Cough - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - Fatigue - Muscle or body aches - Headache - Loss of taste or smell - Sore throat - Congestion or runny nose - Nausea or vomiting - Diarrhea

The CDC advises individuals seeking medical attention if they experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or persistent chest pain.

What Lies Ahead?

As the COVID-19 landscape evolves, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. Vaccination and booster shots are still recommended as the best means to protect against severe illness. Moreover, individuals should stay informed about testing guidelines and any changes in immunization strategies as variants continue to emerge.

Stay tuned for updates on the XEC variant and its implications, as experts anticipate that understanding these new strains will be crucial in managing the ongoing pandemic effectively.