UK identifies new COVID variant XEC ahead of winter

UK health experts have identified a new COVID variant, XEC, as they brace for the winter season when cases typically rise. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a slight increase in hospital admissions for COVID patients, with the rate rising to 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week ending 6 October, up from 3.7 the previous week. This marks the fourth consecutive weekly increase, coinciding with the detection of XEC cases and resulting in significant media attention.

Some analysts on social media predict XEC may become the dominant strain and trigger a winter surge. However, the UKHSA has not raised alarms specifically about XEC. They acknowledge concerns about new variants but note that around one in ten recent cases they analysed shows XEC lineage. Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, stated, “Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant, but we are monitoring this closely.”

XEC, part of the Omicron family, was first detected in May. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a recombinant of two other strains, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, which exchanged genetic information to form XEC. The WHO’s last COVID update on 9 October indicated that XEC and KP.3.3 were the only variants showing increasing prevalence globally between 19 August and 15 September. However, KP.3.3 accounted for nearly half of the cases worldwide, while XEC represented a small percentage. In the UK, XEC was identified in 9.35% of COVID cases in samples taken by the UKHSA between 2 September and 15 September 2024, with KP.3.3 making up 59.35%.

🚨 NEW COVID VARIANT SPREADING RAPIDLY

The XEC variant, first found in Germany in June, has been detected in 29 countries, including the U.S and UK.

This subvariant of Omicron shows similar symptoms to other strains—fever, sore throat, and fatigue—but spreads more easily.… pic.twitter.com/T1nJPB8Mjx

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 16, 2024

When a virus replicates in a human cell, mutations can occur, potentially leading to new variants. Variants with advantageous mutations may pose greater risks. During the pandemic, thousands of COVID variants were identified, many by UK scientists. Most did not prove significant and some disappeared. However, as infections continue, experts warn the virus may produce variants capable of evading immune responses.

No health organisations have listed symptoms specific to XEC. It reportedly shares symptoms with other COVID variants, including a high temperature, a new continuous cough, changes to the sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headaches, sore throat, and a blocked or runny nose. Health authorities advise staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you or your child exhibit symptoms.

While the UKHSA isn’t specifically alarmed by XEC, they expect COVID to circulate more in winter, along with flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which they call the “three main winter threats.” Dr Bernal advises eligible individuals to get vaccinated against these illnesses.

All adults aged 65 and over can receive the latest COVID booster and this year’s flu jab, along with older adult care home residents and people with underlying health conditions aged six months to 64 years. Frontline health and social care staff, as well as employees in older adult care homes, are also eligible for the COVID jab. For the first time, the NHS offers a vaccination against RSV to people aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect their children.