XEC: New COVID variant threatens Europe and leaves 1,115 cases worldwide

a new COVID variant known as XEC has begun spreading in Europecausing concern among experts. Since the first case was reported in Germany, there have already been more than 1115 cases worldwide. In Europe, this variant is present in countries such as the UK, Denmark, France, Ireland, Sweden, Slovenia, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain… Classified as option under supervision XEC is presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) as highly contagious strainalthough still was not associated with a significant increase in symptom severity.

The XEC strain is new sub-variant of Omicronfirst identified in May 2024. This strain the result of a combination of the two previous sub-options: KP.3.3 (FluQE) and KS.1.1 (FliRT). As a recombinant strain, XEC is the product of a fusion that occurred in a person who became infected with both variants at the same time. Despite its recent emergence, experts warn that may become the dominant strain in the near future.

Symptoms

Symptoms of HEC They are not much different from those presented by other Omicron variants.. These include cough, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, fever, loss of taste and smell, and body aches. These symptoms usually resemble those of the common flu and may initially manifest itself in a mild form. Despite the potential for outbreaks, WHO has not yet classified it as a variant of serious concern because This currently represents only 1 percent of global COVID-19 infections..

Protection and prevention measures

Modern vaccines, such as those from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, have been developed to combat the variants associated with Omicron. These vaccines, based on mRNA technology, focus on the S protein of the virus to trigger an immune response that generates neutralizing antibodies. Because the XEC strain retains characteristics similar to its predecessors, Current vaccines will likely provide some degree of protection against this new variant.. However, Virus mutability poses ongoing challenges to long-term vaccine effectiveness.

As COVID-19 variants continue to emerge, it is critical to maintain protective measures to prevent outbreaksespecially in autumn and winter, when respiratory viruses are more common. Health authorities recommend the following measures:

• Vaccination: Get booster doses of updated vaccines, especially those against Omicron variants.
• Avoid enclosed spaces: The risk of infection is higher in poorly ventilated areas, so it is important to keep indoor windows open.
• Using a mask: In crowded places, wearing masks remains an effective measure to reduce the spread of the virus.
• Hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Social distancing: Keep your distance from people with symptoms or in high-risk situations.
• Test: If symptoms appear, get tested to confirm or rule out COVID-19.
• Be careful around vulnerable people: Avoid contact with high-risk groups such as the elderly or immunocompromised people if infection is suspected.

As autumn approaches, vaccination campaigns are intensifying to prevent the spread of Covid variants and other common respiratory viruses. WHO and health experts They continue to closely monitor the evolution of the XEC strain.because although it has not caused major outbreaks, its expansion potential remains a latent threat. Collaboration between health authorities and the public will be key to minimizing the impact of this new variant and ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable in society.

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