The new ‘stronger’ Covid XEC strain is spreading across the world, and according to experts is ‘just getting started’.
The strain – a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants – was first identified in Germany in June and has so far been detected in 13 countries across three continents.
Scientists believe it could become the dominant variant during the colder months ahead.
Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, told the LA Times XEC is ‘just getting started now around the world and here’.
He added: ‘And that’s going to take many weeks, a couple months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave.
‘XEC is definitely taking charge. That does appear to be the next variant. But it’s months off from getting into high levels.
How many people have contracted the XEC variant in the UK?
A fever is among the symptoms of the XEC variant (Picture: Shutterstock/Aleksandra Suzi)
The UK Health Security Agency hasn’t released data on the XEC variant yet.
However, according to the latest figures, there has been a 4.3% increase in Covid cases in the UK week on week.
There were also 102 Covid deaths in England in the week to August 30.
A total of 1,465 patients were admitted to hospitals with Covid in the same week.
What are typical Covid XEC symptoms?
The symptoms associated with the XEC strain are similar to those associated with previous Covid variants.
These include a fever, sore throat, cough, loss of sense of smell, loss of appetite,and body aches.
As the strain is a sub-family of the same omicron lineage, experts say vaccines and booster shots currently offered should still protect you against severe illness.
Regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California Dr Elizabeth Hudson said health experts will continue to monitor the variant in the coming weeks.
