A newly identified variant of the coronavirus, named Covid XEC, has been detected in Germany and is now rapidly spreading across Europe. Experts warn that this variant could become the dominant strain by winter due to its unique mutations.
The XEC variant is a hybrid of two Omicron subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, and is classified as a “recombinant variant.” Recombinants occur when an individual is simultaneously infected with two different COVID strains, resulting in a new variant.
Although XEC has a growth advantage over other circulating variants, it is not radically different from them. However, its fast spread has raised concerns among health officials. Detected first in Germany in August, it has been rapidly moving across Europe and other regions.
Health experts are urging people to get vaccinated and take booster shots to shield themselves from severe illness caused by the new variant. While its full impact is still under study, the rapid transmission suggests XEC could soon become the dominant strain globally.
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