Abstract: The new XEC variant that has recently been described, a recombinant strain originated from the Omicron sub-lineages KS1.1 and KP3.3 (also known as FLuQE; it is descended from the FLiRT lineage), has since early July, 2024, been confirmed in more than 15 EU countries as well as North America and Asia. Currently, the XEC variant is reported in 27 countries, including America, Britain, and China, with T22N and Q493E in the spike that gives it a transmission advantage, meaning that it may be the dominant strain in this coming winter season. Like past COVID-19 strains, XEC has caused flu-like signs, including fever, sore throat, and body aches. Thus, the high efficacy of vaccines in preventing severe disease and hospitalization cannot negate the necessity to pay attention to XEC, increase public health measures, and improve genomic surveillance due to the high transmissibility of the virus and slight advantage in transmission. This letter urges people worldwide to pay attention to how XEC is spreading and to act quickly to stop new cases from rising, especially among the susceptible groups.

Afzal Hussain

Ashfaq Hussain

The XEC COVID-19 Variant: A Global Threat Demanding Immediate Action

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