New Covid variant XEC emerges in Europe, scientists raise alarm over rapid spread

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headaches, cough, loss of smell and body aches

A new and more contagious Covid strain, dubbed XEC, has started spreading across Europe, scientists have warned.

First detected in Germany in June, the XEC variant has since been identified in 13 other countries, including the UK, and could soon become the dominant strain as colder weather sets in across Europe. This follows a summer surge in other coronavirus subvariants, such as FLiRT.

While the UK Health Security Agency has not yet released data on the XEC variant, the exact number of cases in the UK remains unknown. However, recent figures indicate a 4.3% week-on-week increase in Covid cases across the country.

Symptoms of XEC

The symptoms of the XEC strain resemble those of previous Covid variants, including fever, sore throat, headaches, cough, loss of smell, loss of appetite, and body aches.

Concerns from Scientists

Experts are worried that the XEC variant could soon surpass the hyper-infectious subvariant KP.3.1.1, which is currently the most common strain.

"At this juncture, the XEC variant appears to be the most likely one to get legs next," said Dr Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, in a post on X. He added that it may take "many weeks, a couple months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave."

"It would be surprising if this doesn’t turn out to be the next challenge," Dr Topol told the LA Times.

Global Spread

The XEC variant has been reported mainly in Germany, Denmark, the UK, and the Netherlands, according to Covid data analyst Mike Honey. Its presence remains minimal in the US and Canada, but scientists are monitoring its spread, particularly in Europe.

Vaccine Protection

XEC is an Omicron variant, meaning existing vaccines should offer sufficient protection against it. "We’re not like in a new Greek letter – they’re not that much different; it’s not like something completely new," said Dr Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Experts continue to advise regular hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals as the best measures to prevent infection.