As winter approaches, health experts are raising alarms about a new Covid variant known as XEC, which is swiftly spreading across Europe and the United States. First identified in Germany last June, this strain has already been detected in 15 countries. With symptoms resembling common colds and flu, the XEC variant poses significant risks, especially as colder weather could accelerate its transmission. Experts predict it could soon dominate the Covid landscape, prompting renewed vigilance and monitoring efforts.
A new ‘stronger’ Covid variant is spreading across Europe and the world, according to experts who warn that it’s ‘just getting started’.
The XEC strain was first detected last June in Germany and has since been identified in 15 countries across three continents.
According to the so called experts, the strain could become the dominant variant within months as and when the weather gets cold.
The Mail Online reports: Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California Eric Topol said XEC is ‘just getting started now around the world and here’.
Speaking to the LA Times, 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.’
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.
Dr Hudson said that XEC has been reported in western Europe including Germany and the Netherlands and it is spreading quickly.
XEC has shown up in the US but its prevalence is low so far.
The strain, which is a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, causes symptoms that are similar to those you experience with common illnesses such as flu and colds.
Most people will get better within a few weeks, but for others it could take longer to recover and some may even require hospitalisation.
Usual symptoms include a high temperature, continuous cough, loss of sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath and feeling tired or exhausted.
Also, usual cold-like symptoms such as a headache, a sore throat, a blocked or runny nose are common as well as a loss of appetite, diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick.
Recent News
Yes, recent reports indicate that the XEC variant is gaining traction, with health officials emphasizing the need for close monitoring as it spreads. Dr. Eric Topol from the Scripps Research Translational Institute highlighted that XEC is “just getting started” and may take weeks to significantly impact infection rates. Health organizations are advising the public to remain cautious, especially as the winter months could enhance the variant's spread.
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2024/09/new-xec-covid-variant-spreading-rapidly.html