The article reports on the rise of a new coronavirus variant, XEC, which is rapidly outpacing other strains, including Omikron. More than seven million Germans are currently battling respiratory illnesses, with significant increases in COVID-19 cases observed. Health officials note that while XEC may lead to more severe symptoms, it is not considered more dangerous than previous variants. Vaccination efforts are emphasized, particularly for vulnerable populations, as winter approaches and infection rates climb.
The ongoing evolution of the coronavirus continues to bring forth new variants, with the recent XEC variant, a descendant of Omicron, gaining prevalence over other strains.
Currently, more than seven million people in Germany are reported to be ill, as the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has noted a significant rise in respiratory illnesses across the country during this time of year.
This alarming trend has been highlighted in RKI’s latest report, which covers the week of October 7-13, 2024, revealing approximately 7.4 million cases of acute respiratory illnesses (ARE). The primary contributors to this spike are cold viruses and Sars-CoV-2. An increase in the concentration of the virus found in wastewater has been documented since mid-September.
Rise of the XEC Variant
The latest updates from the Ministry of Health indicate a growing number of infections, largely attributed to the spread of variants such as KP.3.1.1, MC.13, and XEC. Notably, experts predict that the XEC variant will likely become the dominant strain this winter. Epidemiologist Timo Ulrichs has stated that XEC is expected to lead this winter’s surge.
Currently, the XEC variant is surpassing other strains in prevalence. According to the RKI, during the 39th week of 2024, cases of the KP.3.1.1 variant decreased to 41%, while the XEC subline remained steady at 27%.
Increasing COVID-19 Cases in Germany
Data analyst Mike Honey recently reported significant growth (67%) in COVID-19 cases in Germany, though he cautioned that recent testing samples may not reflect the broader situation due to their limited size. Honey utilized data from Gisaid, an organization that compiles genome data for various viruses, including Sars-CoV-2. His analysis suggests that the XEC variant is outpacing others globally, including in Europe.
Unexpected Symptoms: Appetite Loss
Healthcare professionals in the UK are paying close attention to the ongoing variant due to rising hospitalization rates. The National Health Service (NHS) has highlighted the importance of isolation when any symptoms present.
The XEC variant tends to show symptoms similar to its predecessors, but some effects—such as loss of appetite—may be unexpected. Affected individuals often realize this change only when they sit down to eat. Factors contributing to this loss of appetite may include altered taste and smell, prompting advice to stick to familiar foods.
Additionally, the coronavirus may inflict damage on the gastrointestinal tract. Research from the Medical University of Vienna in 2022 showed that about 60% of infected patients experience intestinal issues. Therefore, the virus’s attack on lung and intestinal health illustrates its broader impact on various bodily systems.
Changing Severity of Symptoms
British GP Helen Wall has observed a notable shift in symptom severity among patients infected with the XEC variant compared to earlier infections. In an interview with the ‘Manchester Evening News’, Wall mentioned that those infected should be prepared for a more debilitating experience than in the past, with symptoms resembling severe flu more than typical cold issues.
Common Symptoms of the XEC Variant
Many symptoms associated with the XEC variant align with those of previous strains. The NHS lists these symptoms comprehensively.
Assessing the Danger of XEC and Other Variants
Lung specialist Esser suggests that, as of now, there’s no compelling evidence that the XEC variant poses greater risks than earlier versions, as most cases are mild. Other experts like Timo Ulrichs reinforce that current variants typically lead to no more severe outcomes than prior ones.
While some severe cases have been noted, such as with the JN.1 variant, these have generally not resulted in increased hospitalization or intensive care requirements. The RKI assesses the health risks associated with XEC as low, a sentiment echoed by experts in the field.
Though XEC could potentially result in more intense symptoms, Ulrich notes that this is not alarming because of the existing immunity in the population. However, ongoing monitoring for any rise in Long COVID cases remains crucial.
XEC: An Evolution from Omicron
The XEC variant comprises the sub-variants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, which have not garnered much attention thus far. Infectious disease specialist Elisabeth Hudson has indicated that XEC features additional mutations enabling it to attach to human cells more effectively.
The efficacy of current vaccines against this variant is still under review, but Hudson expresses optimism, noting