A new Covid variant known as XEC has begun to spread globally, with its origins traced back to Germany in June. Reports indicate the variant has since been detected in multiple countries, including the UK, the US, and Denmark. Social media platforms, particularly X, formerly Twitter, are buzzing with discussions about the emergence of this variant.
Scientists note that XEC possesses mutations that may enhance its ability to spread during the autumn months. However, they reassure that existing vaccines are likely to continue protecting against severe illness. For individuals at a higher risk of serious Covid complications, the NHS is providing free booster vaccinations.
While the vaccines have been updated to align with more recent variants, they do not specifically target XEC, which has evolved from prior Omicron subvariants. Prof. Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, indicated in an interview with BBC News that XEC shows a slight advantage in transmission compared to other recent variants, yet the vaccines should still be effective against it. He suggested that it is probable XEC could become the dominant subvariant in the upcoming winter months.
In a statement to the LA Times, Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, indicated that the XEC variant is “just getting started” and could take several weeks or even a couple of months before it significantly impacts public health. He described XEC as “definitely taking charge,” but cautioned that it might take time to reach high levels of prevalence.
Currently, health experts are closely monitoring the symptoms associated with the XEC Covid variant.