New Covid XEC Variant Spreading Across Europe: Signs, Symptoms, and What You Need to Know

Scientists are raising concerns about the rapid spread of a new Covid-19 variant in Europe. Known as the XEC variant, this "more contagious" strain is now spreading faster and may soon become the dominant form of the virus.

Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that XEC is likely to gain traction. “At this juncture, the XEC variant appears to be the most likely one to get legs next,” he posted on Sunday.

Researchers have predicted since August that XEC could take a few weeks to a couple of months to spread more widely. According to Dr. Topol, "XEC is definitely taking charge."

XEC: A New Omicron Sublineage

XEC is a sublineage of the Omicron variant, first identified in Berlin, Germany, in June 2024. It is now spreading rapidly in Europe, North America, and Asia. Covid data analyst Mike Honey has noted significant growth in countries like Slovenia, where in August, over 10% of Covid-19 cases were attributed to XEC.

This variant is a hybrid of two previously known Omicron subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both of which contribute to its unique mutations. KS.1.1 is what researchers refer to as a FLiRT variant, marked by changes in the spike protein, where phenylalanine (F) is replaced by leucine (L), and arginine (R) changes to threonine (T).

Meanwhile, KP.3.3 is classified as a FLuQE variant, due to a mutation where glutamine (Q) turns into glutamic acid (E). These alterations in the spike protein enhance the virus’s ability to bind more effectively to human cells, making XEC potentially more transmissible.

Spread of XEC Across Countries

To date, over 500 samples from 27 countries—including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal, and China—have tested positive for the XEC variant. Analysts are also observing significant increases in infection rates in countries like Denmark, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.

As the coronavirus continues to mutate, data suggests that XEC is steadily growing with a transmission advantage over previous subvariants. Its spread is being closely monitored by health agencies worldwide.

Symptoms of the XEC Variant

The symptoms of XEC resemble those of earlier Covid-19 variants. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Loss of smell
• Loss of appetite
• Body aches

Though XEC has new mutations, it remains part of the Omicron lineage. Health experts suggest that keeping up to date with vaccines and booster shots should offer adequate protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

Importance of Vaccination

As the virus evolves, experts are urging individuals to stay informed and maintain their vaccination schedule to ensure maximum protection. The efficacy of vaccines against severe cases remains strong, and booster shots will be crucial in controlling the spread of XEC and preventing hospitalizations.