A newly identified COVID-19 variant, named XEC, is spreading rapidly across multiple continents and may soon surpass other variants to become the dominant strain worldwide. Detected first in Germany in August 2024, XEC has exhibited a growth advantage over other variants, though it is not significantly different in terms of its genetic makeup. reported by Al Jazeera.
XEC is classified as a “recombinant variant,” which occurs when an individual is infected with two distinct variants simultaneously, allowing genetic material from both to mix. In XEC’s case, it is the result of recombination between two closely related variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both of which evolved from the dominant JN.1 variant earlier in 2024.
Since its initial identification in August, XEC has rapidly spread across Europe, North America, and Asia, with over 600 cases identified in 27 countries. The countries most affected by XEC as of mid-September include the United States (118 cases), Germany (92 cases), the United Kingdom (82 cases), Canada (77 cases), and Denmark (61 cases). However, scientists caution that the true number of XEC cases may be higher in countries that do not regularly sequence COVID-19 samples.
The identification of XEC has been made possible through Gisaid, a public database used for analyzing genetic sequences of viruses. While Gisaid provides valuable insights, it tends to reflect data from countries with more advanced routine sequencing efforts, meaning that XEC could be circulating undetected in regions without widespread testing.
At present, KP.3.1.1 is the dominant variant in Europe and North America, while KP.3.3 holds the top spot in Asia. XEC remains a minority variant globally, with its highest prevalence recorded in Germany, where it accounts for approximately 13% of genetic sequences analyzed. In the UK, XEC makes up about 7% of cases, and in the US, it is below 5%. However, due to its faster spread compared to other circulating variants, experts anticipate that XEC will become the global dominant variant in the coming months.
XEC’s growth advantage may be attributed to a combination of two mutations in the virus’s spike protein: the T22N mutation (from KS.1.1) and the Q493E mutation (from KP.3.3). The spike protein plays a critical role in how the virus binds to human cells, enabling infection. While little is known about the exact effects of the T22N mutation on viral transmission or replication, these combined mutations may give XEC an edge in spreading more efficiently.
As for the severity of illness caused by XEC, there is currently no patient data or laboratory findings to indicate whether this variant leads to worse outcomes than previous strains. However, due to the genetic similarities between XEC and its parent variants, it is expected to cause symptoms typical of other COVID-19 infections, such as fever, sore throat, cough, headaches, body aches, and fatigue.
Hospitalizations during the winter months are likely to rise, as is common with respiratory viruses when people spend more time indoors. However, any increase in hospitalizations may not be directly linked to XEC but could be attributed to general seasonal trends. told by NBC News.
To counter the spread of XEC and other emerging variants, health authorities in the UK plan to roll out autumn booster vaccines in October. These updated vaccines will target the JN.1 variant from which XEC is derived, providing strong protection against severe illness.
XEC is the latest in a series of COVID-19 variants being closely monitored as the virus continues to evolve. Recombinant variants are not new; in fact, the XBB variant, also a recombinant, dominated global cases in 2023. Alongside XEC, another closely related variant, MV.1, is also being watched. MV.1, which shares the T22N mutation with XEC, was first reported in India in June 2024 and has spread to other countries.
While XEC may soon become the dominant global variant, it is also possible that another closely related variant could outcompete it or emerge to replace it in the near future. Researchers and health authorities will continue to track the evolution of these variants, ensuring the public remains protected with updated vaccines and information.
