A brand new covid-19 variant known as XEC has began to unfold worldwide, primarily in Europe. Early proof signifies that it might transmit extra simply than previous variants, however public well being specialists say the brand new variant is similar to previous ones and the vaccines accessible work in opposition to it. Here’s what we find out about XEC thus far.

What’s the new covid-19 XEC variant?

XEC is a mixture of two different SARS-CoV-2 variants generally known as KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. It fashioned when the 2 variants contaminated the identical organism – similar to an animal or particular person – concurrently, permitting them to share genetic materials.

XEC is a genetic offshoot of omicron, a extremely transmissible variant that first emerged in South Africa in 2021. “You’ll be able to consider these new variants as great-grandchildren or grandchildren of omicron,” says William Schaffner at Vanderbilt College Medical Middle in Tennessee. This implies it shares lots of the similar traits as different omicron subvariants, similar to spreading simply and inflicting much less extreme illness than the earliest SARS-CoV-2 strains.

When and the place was XEC recognized?

XEC was first recognized in August amongst covid-19 samples collected in Berlin two months earlier.

The earliest circumstances of the variant occurred in Italy in Might. Nonetheless, these samples weren’t uploaded to a global database that tracks SARS-CoV-2 variants, known as the International Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Knowledge (GSAID) till September.

What number of circumstances of XEC are there?

Knowledge from GSAID signifies that greater than 600 circumstances of XEC have been reported throughout 27 nations, together with the UK, Germany, Canada and the US. Nonetheless, “not all nations constantly report knowledge to GSAID, so the XEC variant is prone to be current in additional nations”, says Bhanu Bhatnagar on the World Well being Organisation (WHO) Regional Workplace for Europe.

The variant is prevalent in Europe, the place at the very least 13 nations have detected it, says Bhatnagar. Thus far, XEC constitutes about 8 per cent of all sequenced and reported samples from the continent this month, in keeping with knowledge from GSAID. By comparability, it made up about 4 per cent of samples in August. Essentially the most generally sequenced variant in Europe continues to be KP.3.1.1 – additionally within the omicron household – at 48 per cent of all samples, says Bhatnagar.

XEC is most widespread in France, comprising roughly 21 per cent of sequenced covid-19 samples. It’s also gaining traction in Germany and the UK, the place it represents 15 per cent and eight per cent of sequenced samples, respectively, says Francois Balloux on the College Faculty London.

The brand new variant has additionally been detected within the US, the place it makes up roughly 1 per cent of circumstances, says Balloux. Nonetheless, XEC hasn’t appeared on the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s (CDC) covid-19 variant tracker, which incorporates variants as soon as they account for 1 per cent of all circumstances in per week.

What are the signs of XEC?

Thus far, XEC causes the identical signs as different covid-19 variants similar to fever, sore throat, cough and muscle aches and pains. “We can have our ears open to study whether or not there are probably some distinctive options, clinically,” says Schaffner. “We doubt it, however we’re all the time open to that.”

How harmful is XEC?

XEC doesn’t seem like extra harmful or produce extra extreme illness than previous covid-19 variants, says Schaffner. The WHO hasn’t designated it as a variant of concern, both. That’s as a result of it shares lots of the similar traits as different omicron subvariants, like inflicting extra gentle sickness than earlier strains, says Schaffner.

Is XEC extra transmissible?

It’s too early to say whether or not XEC is extra transmissible than different variants, says James Fielding on the WHO. Provided that it has gained a foothold amongst different circulating variants, nevertheless, it might have a bonus that makes it unfold extra simply.

As an example, a preliminary evaluation from Mike Honey, a knowledge specialist in Australia, means that XEC will change into the dominant variant in Europe and the UK in October. He predicts the identical will happen within the US and Canada later that month or in November.

“How extensively [spread] this specific pressure will change into, I believe we simply have to attend and see,” says Schaffner.

Do covid-19 vaccines nonetheless work in opposition to XEC?

The excellent news is that present covid-19 vaccines are anticipated to guard in opposition to XEC, says Schaffner. It is because up to date variations goal omicron subvariants.

The CDC recommends everybody 6 months or older obtain an up to date covid-19 booster in the event that they haven’t achieved so this 12 months. Within the UK, up to date vaccines can be found to individuals 75 years and older, and those that dwell in senior care services or have a weakened immune system.

Finally, Schaffner says there is no such thing as a purpose to panic about XEC. “The virus is simply getting going, however it seems to be following the identical sample [as past ones]” he says. “My response is: usual, usual.”

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