A new variant of the coronavirus, named XEC, is rapidly spreading across Europe and North America, prompting health officials to increase monitoring efforts just as we brace for the winter season when respiratory illnesses are at their peak.

Since its emergence, XEC has already infected over 600 individuals in 27 countries, highlighting the urgency of the situation as we enter a time when contagious diseases tend to proliferate. Although XEC appears to spread more easily than previous strains, early reports indicate that the severity of the infections it causes is likely milder compared to earlier peaks of the pandemic.

What Exactly is the XEC Variant?

XEC is a "recombinant" variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These types of variants arise when a single individual is concurrently infected with two distinct strains of the virus. The genetic materials from these strains swap segments and create a new strain altogether. Currently, XEC is associated with the Omicron lineage, which was known for its severe outbreaks in 2022.

Continuing studies suggest that XEC originated from two specific Omicron subvariants, KP.3.3 and KS.1.1, which themselves evolved from the earlier JN.1 variant, prevalent in early 2024. It’s important to note that recombinant strains are not a new phenomenon; for instance, the XBB variant was notably dominant in COVID-19 cases in 2023.

How Does XEC Spread?

Similar to other variants, XEC spreads primarily through respiratory droplets released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Although surface transmission is possible, airborne transmission remains the primary concern, especially with the enhanced transmissibility believed to be linked to XEC's unique spike proteins. These proteins facilitate the virus's entry into human cells, potentially allowing for more efficient replication.

Public health experts are urging the population to adhere to preventive measures such as social distancing, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and frequent hand sanitization.

Symptoms Associated with XEC Infection

Typical symptoms of XEC infection include sore throat, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. These symptoms generally manifest between 2 to 14 days post-infection, and the severity can vary significantly—being more harmful for higher-risk groups like the elderly, while others may remain asymptomatic. Notably, XEC has not been linked to any new or uniquely severe symptoms compared to previous COVID variants.

First Detection of XEC

Initial detection of the XEC variant occurred in Berlin, Germany, in August, with samples collected during routine monitoring back in June. The delay in identification was attributed to potential backlogs in sequencing, particularly as health officials might have been focused on more dominant variants at that time.

Current Spread of XEC

More than 600 reported cases have surfaced across multiple nations, with France accounting for over 21% of these infections. XEC is also making inroads in the UK, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany. In the United States, over 100 cases have been documented across 25 states. Experts caution that the actual spread may be even more extensive, as not every country consistently reports data.

How Dangerous is the XEC Variant?

Current evidence suggests that XEC isn't fundamentally more dangerous than established Omicron subvariants. The World Health Organization (WHO) has yet to classify XEC as a "variant of interest." Expect the spread of COVID-19, including XEC, to increase during the autumn and winter months as people congregate indoors.

Anticipated peaks in cases are projected for late October or early November, particularly in Europe and North America. Fortunately, preliminary findings indicate that existing vaccines remain effective against the XEC variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges everyone aged six months and older to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025, irrespective of past vaccinations.

Stay informed and prioritize your health this winter as the XEC variant continues to unfold!