A new COVID-19 subvariant originating in Europe, named XEC, has raised concerns in the United States as it spreads across Western Europe, North America, and Asia. The hybrid of the KP.3 and KS.1.1 Omicron subvariants was first detected in Germany and has since been found in several countries, including the UK, Denmark, France, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, and Spain. In the US, at least 25 states have reported cases of XEC, including California, Virginia, and New Jersey.
Despite the widespread presence of XEC, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not officially tracked the subvariant on its website. However, experts are monitoring the situation closely as they anticipate a potential uptick in cases during the fall and winter months when cooler weather drives people indoors where the virus can spread more easily.
Health officials are hopeful that new vaccines will offer better protection against XEC and other variants, particularly in preventing severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that they are not aware of any specific symptoms associated with XEC.
The CDC has warned that the upcoming fall and winter seasons could see a resurgence of COVID-19 cases similar to last year, depending on vaccination rates. The agency emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus and mitigate the impact of new variants like XEC.
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