The federal government has sounded the alarm over the newly XEC COVID-19 variant detected in Australia and has spread to 29 countries globally.

In a circular dated December 5, 2024, the government directed all chief medical directors and medical directors of tertiary hospitals to activate alert systems for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.

The new variant, first reported in Australia, has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health

The government has urged hospitals to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding the strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols.

The alert reads in part, “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been reported in Australia and has already spread to 29 countries globally. (Letter attached) You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.

Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.

“We request your committee to collaborate with all} relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols. Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, will be vital for effective response strategies.

Please accept, as always, the assurances of the permanent secretary’s warm regards.”

What is Xec Covid-19 Variant?

XEC is a new version of the COVID-19 virus formed when two different strains infect a person at the same time and combine their genetic material.

It is part of the Omicron family, known for being a more severe COVID-19 variant that peaked in 2022. XEC formed from two Omicron subvariants, KP.3.3 and KS.1.1, which evolved from the earlier JN.1 strain that was widespread in early 2024. So far, XEC’s symptoms are mild, and similar recombinant variants, like XBB, were common in 2023.

What are the symptoms of XEC Covid?

Symptoms are thought to be the same cold or flu-like ones as before:

• a high temperature
• aches
• tiredness
• a cough or sore throat

Most people feel better within a few weeks of Covid but it can take longer to recover.

How does XEC Covid-19 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.

Where has it spread so far?

Since being detected in Australia, more than 600 cases have been reported in 29 countries across Europe and North America, according to a tracker maintained by the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). The organisation is based in Munich and run by independent scientists from around the world.

More than one-fifth of the cases (21 percent) have been discovered in France, where it is most widespread. However, it is also gaining traction in the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany.

In the United States, more than 100 cases have been reported in 25 states.

However, the actual global spread of XEC may be larger as not all countries routinely report data to GISAID, according to Bhanu Bhatnagar at the World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for Europe.

Is there vaccine for XEC?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, the updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide protection against the XEC variant, although the effectiveness may vary.

What the prevention needed?

The usual precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection apply, including staying away from people who are sick, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and following other recommendations provided by national disease control.