XEC Variant Alert: Global reach Outbreak, 15 Countries and 12 US States affected.
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Global concerns: Emerging Covid-19 Variant Exhibits Increased Transmission Rates, Poses Threat to Dominant Strains
The XEC variant, which first came on sight up in Germany back in June, has now made its way to the UK, US, Denmark, and more. Scientifically, they are saying this strain is ‘taking charge’ and it will be probably keep spreading around the world.
The XEC variant has now been discovered in 15 countries and 12 US states, according to the Outbreak threat, information page by Scripps Research discovered, which tracks data from the global initiative on sharing all influenza data (GISAID). This widespread detection highlights the rapid spread and potential global impact of the variant. Professionals are closely monitoring the situation as the strain continues to spread across different regions.
Mike Honey, a Covid data expert, has detected that the XEC variant is now affecting hundreds of individuals across 27 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. He remarked that the spread of this variant has been particularly swift in Denmark and Germany, having concerns among health officials. As the variant continues to proliferate, experts are closely monitoring its progression to better understand its potential global impact.
So far confirmed cases of the new Covid variant have been found in 15 countries, including Slovenia, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Taiwan, France, Israel, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, the UK, Canada, Spain, and the US. This spread of wide range detection, highlights how quickly the variant is spreading and underscores the growing global concern about its potential impact. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation as the variant continues to emerge in new regions.
XEC’s prevalence remains relatively low in the US and Canada, but in Europe, the variant reached its highest point on August 19, where it accounted for 5.96% of cases. The most infections seen in Slovenia with over 10% of samples testing positive for XEC, suggesting the variant’s stronger presence in certain parts of Europe. Covid samples showing traces of XEC in August. Reflecting increase of variant’s presence in the region.
This new strain, XEC, a hybrid of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants produces symptoms like fatigue, headaches, a sore throat, and high fever, much like similar other covid varients. Despite this, researchers are calling for increased observation. However, experts recommend more conscious monitoring of XEC to identify any particular differences in its symptom presentation.
Prof. Francois Balloux, In an interview with the BBC, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, explained that the XEC variant is more contagious than previous varients, which increases concerns about its rapid spread, Nevertheless, he detected out that vaccines should continue to offer good protection because XEC is part of the Omicron family, and the previously existing vaccines were designed to target variants from that lineage.
XEC is from the Omicron family, the vaccines developed to protect against Omicron and its subvariants should still offer a good level of protection, particularly in reducing the risk of severe disease and hospitalizations. He cautioned, however, that the variant’s increased transmission could see it rise to become the dominant strain as winter approaches, given the seasonal types of respiratory infections like Covid. This makes ongoing surveillance of the variant critical as we head into the colder months.
UK’s latest Covid reports shows a 4.3 percent increased rate of cases compared to last week, with 1,465 people admitted to hospitals up until August 30. The data does not break down the specific strains responsible for this rise, leaving the contribution of variants such as XEC undetermined, so it’s unclear how much is due to variants like XEC.
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Despite this, the NHS is stepping up by producing the free booster shots to those more likely to get seriously ill from Covid, including people with underlying health conditions, and other, including the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions, and other vulnerable groups. This booster shot initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce hospitalizations and severe outcomes as new variants emerge and as the country prepares for the colder months, when respiratory illnesses typically see a surge.
Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, recently marked the growing concern around the XEC variant’s potential to increase the widespread. In a post on X formerly Twitter, Topol emphasized that the XEC variant appears to be the most likely candidate to gain momentum and establish itself as a dominant strain in the coming months. This increased concern is rooted in the variant’s increased transmissibility and the patterns detected in previous Covid strains that have risen to prominence.
As the winter season approaches, which typically sees higher transmission rates, closely monitoring the development of the XEC variant becomes crucial. Understanding its trajectory will be essential for predicting how the pandemic may evolve in the near future, especially given the potential for increased transmission during the colder months. Topol’s statement underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness as we navigate the ongoing challenges posed by Covid-19.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), mutations in viruses are a routine occurrence and are part of their natural evolution.
COVID variant XEC sees rapid global growth: What to know about the new strain
