“Detected in Germany” – What you should know about new COVID-19 variant XEC spreading across world

A new COVID-19 variant has started spreading accross the countries in the world and could soon take off and become the dominant type.

The variant – known as XEC – has infected 600 people across Europe and North America just ahead of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, during which respiratory diseases are typically more widespread.

As the XEC began to raised concerns about its potential impact on public health, here are what you should know:

What is the new COVID XEC variant?

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

COVID-19 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness, including death.

The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been several prominent variants, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron and XEC.

According to the World Health Orgnasation, the XEC strain is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Like other variants, the XEC strain has raised concerns due to its potential for increased transmissibility and partial immune escape.

How does XEC spread?

Like other coronavirus variants, XEC is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets that are suspended in the air when an infected person breathes out, talks, coughs or sneezes. While the virus can survive on surfaces, transmission through this route is less common than airborne spread viruses.

Therefore, public health officials are advising people to socially distance, wear masks in public spaces and use hand sanitiser.

However, XEC, it is believed, can spread even more easily than previous COVID variants. This is due to its particular spike proteins which may allow it to enter cells and multiply more easily. The exact nature of its transmissibility is still being studied.

How far has it spread

The XEC strain was first detected in Germany in June 2024 and has spread across Europe, Asia, and North America, with at least 600 confirmed cases in the past four months.

Countries affected include Germany, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, China, Norway, Poland, and the Netherlands.

What are the symptoms of XEC strain?

While the symptoms of the XEC strain are generally similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, they can range from mild to severe.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. Some individuals, especially those with underlying health conditions, may experience more severe complications.

The elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the more severe effects of the virus.

Is XEC Covid-19 variant in Nigeria

The XEC strain has not been officially reported in Nigeria, but the Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has been monitoring the situation closely and is advising healthcare providers to be cautious.

The Ministry emphasised the importance of precautionary measures to prevent the potential spread of the variant into Nigeria.

Is there vaccine for XEC Covid-19 variant?

The updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide protection against the XEC variant, although the effectiveness may vary.

Prevention

Dr Adesola Adebayo, a public health expert, highlighted the continued importance of following public health guidelines:

“The emergence of the XEC strain is a reminder that the pandemic is far from over.

“It’s crucial that Nigerians continue to adhere to safety guidelines and take personal responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”

Adebayo further stated, “Vaccination, adherence to safety protocols, and public health measures remain essential in protecting ourselves and our communities.”

According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nigerians can access the COVID-19 vaccine at public and designated private health facilities, COVID-19 Diagnostic Centres, motor parks, shopping malls, markets, event centres, and schools.

Amongst others were public places across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).