XEC, a new COVID variant

One more type of newer COVID-19 virus was spotted lately— the XEC strain, and it is very contagious. It was identified in August 2024 in Germany and is now on the brink of becoming a dominant global variant, overtaking all others, say scientists. XEC was generated as a recombinant variant of SINV, created by employ of two different viral strains.

Awareness About Recombinant Variants and COVID-19 Mutations

Recombinant Variants

• XEC is a combination of KS. 1. 1 and KP. 3. 3 from what is likely a JN, an earlier variant 1.
• XEC spread in more than 27 countries having around 600 cases registered, highest being reported from Germany.

Growth Advantage

• XEC: It has mutations that could allow it to spread more rapidly than other variants.
• The T22N mutation from KS. 1. 1 & KP Q493E mutation 3.3 may also be more readily transmissible to humans.

Impact on Disease Severity

• There is no definitive proof that XEC makes people sicker than other variants.
• Expected symptoms of XEC infections to be similar to previous variants

Surveillance and Vaccination Programs

• Vaccination Is Still Key as Countries Fight Covid-19
• Alternatively, in July the UK will launch a new booster vaccine aimed at the ON from October 1 variant related to XEC.

About COVID-19 Variants

• SARS-CoV-2 virus mutate resulting in variants.
• WHO labels variants that pose more risk as “variants of concern” (VOC) or “variants of interest” (VOI).
• Vaccination is instrumental in containing the circulation of new variants and preventing the occurrence of severe disease.