Coronavirus has returned with a new variant XEC (XEC). A jump in infection cases is being recorded in many European countries. This new XEC variant of corona is being confirmed in most of the reports of sample investigation. Scientists say that viruses keep mutating continuously to stay alive according to their nature, in this sequence new mutations are being seen in the corona again. The nature of this new variant is being described as very contagious in the initial reports of studies.

Health experts said, some new changes have been seen in the protein of the coronavirus, which is now making it even more contagious. This is the reason why this new variant was first identified in June and now it has spread to about 27 countries in no time. All people should once again start following the necessary measures to prevent corona.

Let us understand in detail about the XEC variant and the problems caused by it.

XEC variant is an increasing concern

It is worth noting that the XEC variant was first identified in Germany in June. Now its cases are also coming up in the UK, the US, Denmark, and many other countries. Scientists have warned that this variant of Kovid may be more contagious.

Dr. Eric Topol, director and scientist at the California-based Scripps Research Translational Institute, said, this new variant is increasing the problems. In August, the rate of infection from this variant was seen as very high in many European countries, this new variant was found in more than 10 percent of the samples of Kovid cases in the country. The speed at which it is increasing is worrying.

Let us know about the XEC variants in four points.

1. XEC is a hybrid variant

XEC variants are still new, so not much can be understood about it. However, based on initial studies, researchers said that XEC is a hybrid variant. This is a new sub-variant of Omicron, which has been prominently seen around the world for the last two years. It is believed to be a combined form of the earlier KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants. Due to the coming together of two different variants, its infectiousness rate may be high.

2. This variant is spreading rapidly
According to reports, within three months, XEC variants have spread to more than 27 countries. Most of its cases have been reported mainly in Europe. As of September 3, 23 cases were identified in the US due to XEC. It is also considered responsible for most of the coronavirus cases in Denmark-Germany. This indicates that the infectiousness rate of the new variant can be quite high.

3. No significant change in symptoms
So far, no significant change has been seen in the symptoms of the disease due to this variant. Scientists say, at present its symptoms are similar to the previous Kovid variants. Most of the infected people are having problems like fever, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, cough, loss of smell, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, and body pain.

Experts say that Omicron has not been a serious disease in nature, so the serious risks due to the new variant are also low. Although it is too early to say, we need a little more data to see how it is affecting the body.

4. Updated vaccines can be helpful for protection

Scientists said that new variants with mutations have been seen to spread infection by dodging the immunity built up in the body. However, vaccination is still the only effective way to protect against them. Vaccines still help prevent serious cases, so people with weak immunity should be given another booster shot. Updated vaccines of Corona are available that can provide additional protection against Omicron and its sub-variants.

(PC: ISTOCK)