COVID-19: What you should know about XEC strain
By Jeffrey Agbo
As the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, new variants of the virus are emerging, each with unique characteristics and potential risks.
One such variant is the XEC strain, which has recently drawn attention due to its global spread and possible public health implications.
What is the XEC Strain?
The XEC strain is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. First detected in Germany in June 2024, it has since been reported in 27 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. Countries affected include Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Canada, and France. In the last four months, over 600 cases have been confirmed worldwide.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the XEC strain combines two previously known subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, making it potentially more transmissible and capable of partially evading immunity from prior infections or vaccinations.
Symptoms and Transmission
Like other COVID-19 variants, the XEC strain spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, sore throat, high fever, and, in some cases, loss of taste or smell. Severe cases may result in difficulty breathing and other complications, particularly in elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, a Consultant Epidemiologist with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has indicated that around 13% of sequenced COVID-19 cases in recent months belong to the XEC lineage. However, he noted that “current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant. We are monitoring it closely, and vaccination still offers the best protection.”
Impact and Preparedness
Surveillance data from the UKHSA shows an increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions, with a rate of 4.5 per 100,000 people as of October 2024. While these figures include all variants, the XEC strain’s increased transmissibility is a contributing factor.
Currently, there are no reported cases of the XEC strain in Nigeria. However, public health experts emphasize the importance of vigilance. Preventative measures, including vaccination, wearing masks, regular handwashing, and avoiding crowded places, remain crucial in curbing the spread of the virus.
The Way Forward
Although the XEC strain shares similarities with other variants, its potential for immune escape highlights the importance of staying updated on vaccinations and following public health guidelines. Nigerians are encouraged to remain informed, stay cautious, and adhere to preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness, and individuals are urged to complete their vaccination schedules and receive booster doses as recommended.
