As COVID-19 continues to evolve, a new variant known as XEC is gaining attention due to its rapid spread across multiple regions. XEC is a recombinant strain, meaning it is a hybrid of two previously identified variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, which are part of the larger Omicron family. First detected in Europe, particularly in Germany, XEC is becoming more prevalent and could become the dominant strain globally in the near future.
Genetic Makeup and Mutations
XEC stands out due to its unique combination of mutations, particularly in the spike protein. The spike protein is a crucial part of the virus that allows it to attach to human cells, facilitating infection. XEC’s spike protein contains two significant mutations—T22N (from KS.1.1) and Q493E (from KP.3.3). While the specific impacts of these mutations on transmissibility or severity are not fully understood, experts suggest that they might give XEC an advantage in spreading faster than other circulating variants(
)(
).
Spread and Growth Advantage
Although XEC remains a minority variant, its growth rate is outpacing other strains. As of September 2024, XEC has been detected in several countries, with the highest case numbers reported in the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Canada, and Denmark. In Germany, it accounts for about 13% of sequenced cases, and in the U.K., around 7%. In the U.S., it remains under 5%, but experts predict it could become the dominant global strain in the coming months(
).
Impact on Vaccines and Protection
A significant concern with any new variant is whether existing vaccines remain effective. Fortunately, experts believe that current COVID-19 vaccines, especially the updated versions targeting the JN.1 variant (a close relative of XEC), should still offer protection against severe illness caused by XEC. While the variant’s mutations might alter its behavior slightly, the vaccines are expected to reduce the risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death(
).
Disease Severity and Symptoms
So far, there is no clear evidence that XEC causes more severe illness compared to other Omicron-related variants. Symptoms are expected to be similar to those seen with previous strains, including fever, sore throat, cough, headaches, and body aches. It is important to note that increases in hospitalizations during the winter months are typical due to increased viral transmission indoors, and any uptick should not necessarily be attributed to the XEC variant specifically(
).
Monitoring and Future Outlook
Health authorities continue to monitor the spread of XEC and its potential to become the dominant variant. Other related variants, like MV.1, are also being closely watched due to similar mutations. As the virus continues to evolve, booster campaigns remain essential to ensure that populations remain protected, especially as colder months approach and viral transmission rises(
)(
).
In conclusion, while XEC is spreading quickly and shows signs of becoming more dominant, existing vaccines should still offer significant protection. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations and remaining vigilant about emerging variants will help mitigate the risks associated with this and other evolving COVID-19 strains.
This article synthesizes data from sources such as Gavi(
)and Verywell Health(
), providing an up-to-date overview of the XEC variant and its potential impact.