Covid Alert: Scientists are reporting the emergence of a new Covid variant, XEC, which could soon become the dominant strain. According to users on X (formerly Twitter), cases of XEC, first identified in Germany in June 2024, have since spread to the UK, US, Denmark and other countries.
Covid variant XEC: potential impact
Experts say XEC, a subspecies of the Omicron variant, has mutations that could increase its transmission this autumn. However, vaccination remains effective in preventing severe cases of Covid. People at higher risk should opt for a bolster shot as a precaution.
Prof. Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, said in an interview with BBC News that the Covid variant XEC is slightly more transmissible than recent variants, but vaccines should continue to provide strong protection. He warned that XEC could dominate the winter wave.
Covid variant XEC: What symptoms to look out for
The symptoms associated with the XEC variant are similar to those of previous Covid strains, including:
According to reports, most people recover within a few weeks, although some may experience symptoms for longer. BBC,
Covid variant XEC: current spread and monitoring
The BBC report, quoting Covid data analyst Mike Honey, said there has been a rapid rise in XEC cases in Denmark and Germany.
However, a lack of regular testing has made it challenging to assess the current prevalence of Covid.
Will your COVID vaccine protect against XEC?
Dr Gayathri Amirthalingam, deputy director of UKHSA, reiterated the importance of vaccination to the BBC, saying: “Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from Covid-19. We urge people contacted by the NHS to come forward to get their autumn vaccine.”
Antibodies to combat all Covid-19 variants
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have isolated an antibody called SC27 that has the potential to combat all known variants of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, as well as related strains that infect other animals.
The breakthrough came from plasma donated by four patients who suffered breakthrough infections despite being vaccinated. The findings were published in Cell Reports Medicine.
Since the emergence of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved to develop resistance against vaccines and treatments. The SC27 antibody is notable for its ability to recognise and target different spike protein features in different COVID-19 variants, providing a promising route to future treatments.
