Health officials in the UK are expressing alarm over a surge in Covid hospitalisations attributed to a new variant known as XEC. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an “alarming” rise in admission rates, with patients testing positive for the XEC variant now at 4.5 per 100,000 people for the week ending October 6, an increase from 3.7 the previous week.
The North East region has been particularly hard hit, recording the highest hospital admission rates at 8.12 per 100,000. Disturbingly, individuals aged 85 and older are facing even greater challenges, with admission rates soaring to 52.48 per 100,000.
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The XEC variant, first identified in Germany in June, has also appeared in countries like the United States and Denmark. This variant is a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants and presents symptoms similar to other Covid strains, including fatigue, headaches, sore throats, and high temperatures.
Experts are urging the public to stay up to date with vaccinations and booster shots, which are crucial in providing protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. The XEC variant exhibits specific mutations on its spike protein, enhancing its ability to attach to human cells. These mutations include changes from phenylalanine (F) to leucine and arginine (R) to threonine.
In light of the rising cases, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises maintaining good hygiene practices and improving indoor air quality. Researchers are also calling for closer monitoring of the XEC variant to gain a better understanding of its symptoms and impact.
The NHS has started administering autumn Covid boosters to vulnerable groups, including individuals over 65, those aged six months to 64 with health conditions, residents of care homes, and frontline NHS and social care workers. For more information on vaccinations and eligibility, you can visit the NHS website.
