As of October 5, 2024, the XEC variant of SARS-CoV-2, first detected in Italy in May 2024, is becoming a significant concern globally. Despite a general decline in COVID-19 cases, with approximately 275,000 reported in Australia this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated XEC as a variant 'under monitoring' due to its increasing prevalence across multiple countries.
The XEC variant has spread to over 27 countries, with the highest case numbers currently in the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Denmark. In Germany, XEC accounts for approximately 20% of cases, while it represents 12% in the UK and 6% in the US. Experts suggest that XEC may have a growth advantage over other variants, potentially leading it to become the dominant strain globally in the coming months.
In Australia, the variant has been detected in 5% of sequenced samples, with the highest rates reported in Queensland. The XEC variant is a recombinant descendant of two previously identified omicron subvariants, indicating a complex evolution of the virus.
Despite concerns, current surveillance data indicates no significant increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, suggesting that existing vaccines remain effective against severe outcomes. Vaccine manufacturers are actively updating their formulations to include newer variants, including JN.1, which is closely related to XEC.
The emergence of XEC highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring COVID-19 variants as the virus continues to mutate. Public health responses will need to adapt rapidly to address the potential implications of this variant on global health.