Is COVID Coming Back? All You Need to Know About the New XEC Subvariant

Recently, a newly discovered COVID subvariant named XEC has caused a surge in cases across Europe and globally. First detected in Germany, this variant has quickly gained the attention of medical professionals worldwide.

Reports indicate that XEC has spread to other European countries, including the Netherlands. While cases in the United States are currently low, XEC may eventually overtake the currently dominant subvariant KP.3.1.1.

A California-based scientist told a leading US media outlet that XEC is "just getting started" and may take several weeks to months before it begins to significantly impact global and domestic case numbers. He added that while XEC is "definitely taking charge" and appears to be the next prominent variant, it will take time and months to reach high levels.

According to Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, the expected midyear wave began in May when the winter's dominant subvariant, JN.1, gave way to several subvariants nicknamed FLiRT—a cheeky reference to two key mutations, F456L and R346T. "The FLiRT eventually gave way to new variants that had even more growth advantage," Topol added.

XEC is believed to be a recombination of two different, less-discussed subvariants: KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.

“We’ll really have to watch — because the overall information on it is not super robust now — but I would imagine over the next couple of weeks, particularly if it starts to creep up higher and higher, we will be hearing a little bit more about it,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Scientists advise people to continue following precautionary measures, including wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and staying up-to-date with vaccinations.