New XEC Covid variant spreads across 27 countries; doctor says ‘may have unique characteristics in terms of immune evasion’

A “more contagious” variant of COVID-19, XEC, is spreading more rapidly across Europe and has affected people in 27 countries, indicating that it could become a dominant strain, according to a BBC report. The new variant was first identified in Germany in June 2024 and has since emerged in the US, Denmark, and several other countries. The new XEC variant is a hybrid of the earlier omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.

According to The Independent, 500 samples from 27 countries, including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal, and China, have been found to contain XEC. It is also speculated that the variant has grown strongly in countries like Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Professor Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told the BBC that although XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” over other recent Covid variants, vaccines should still offer good protection. However, he added that XEC may become the dominant subvariant over the winter.

Here’s what to understand about the new Covid-19 variant (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

The XEC Covid variant is a new strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.” While research is ongoing, initial findings suggest that it shares similarities with previous variants but may have unique characteristics in terms of transmissibility or immune evasion,” said Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad.

Symptoms

The XEC variant’s symptoms are similar to earlier strains, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and muscle aches.

“However, some patients may experience gastrointestinal issues or more severe respiratory problems, particularly in vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or those with underlying conditions,” said Dr Haricharan.

These symptoms can vary from person to person depending on their condition. “Individuals are advised not to overlook these symptoms as minor inconveniences and try to treat them with home remedies or over-the-counter pills on their own,” asserted Dr Aklesh Tandekar, head, consultant critical care, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

Causes

Several factors can increase your chances of contracting this variant of Covid-19. “It can be caused due to frequently travelling through multiple countries, interacting with larger crowds while not maintaining social distancing or practicing hygiene, and not completing the vaccination dosage, Dr Tandekar said.

Like other Covid-19 variants, XEC spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. “Close contact and crowded spaces increase the risk of transmission, added Dr Haricharan.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment remains largely the same. Treatment for XEC is similar to COVID-19 where one needs to be hospitalised in case of severity to ensure safety, said Dr Tandekar.

“Supportive care, such as hydration, rest, and medications to manage symptoms, is advised. Antiviral drugs like Paxlovid or monoclonal antibodies may be prescribed for high-risk patients. Vaccination continues to play a crucial role in reducing severity,” said Dr Haricharan.

Recombinant variant XEC is continuing to spread, and looks a likely next challenger against the now-dominant DeFLuQE variants (KP.3.1.1.*).

Here are the leading countries reporting XEC. Strong growth in Denmark and Germany (16-17%), also the UK and Netherlands (11-13%).
🧵 pic.twitter.com/rLReeM9wF8

— Mike Honey (@Mike_Honey_) September 15, 2024

Precautions

It is crucial to maintain hygiene by washing hands regularly, wearing masks in crowded areas, and ensuring good ventilation. Also, Stay updated on vaccinations and boosters, as these can help mitigate the impact of new variants. Early testing and isolation are key to preventing spread. Always consult a healthcare provider if symptoms develop or worsen.

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