Experts are warning that the new COVID-19 variant known as XEC could reach Australia in the next couple of weeks.
According to James Trauer, an associate professor of preventive medicine at Monash University, two different types of COVID-19 have combined to create XEC.
Mike Honey, a data analyst for COVID-19, said that the XEC is a mix of the two previous variants, namely the FLiRT and the FLuQE.
Trauer noted that it has a better fitness level than the other two. Although it’s still new, the new variant’s symptoms are similar to those of the flu and cold.
Some of the common symptoms of XEC include a high temperature, fatigue, and soreness in one’s throat or cough.
Trauer noted that until more people become infected with the new variant, there’s not enough evidence to identify other possible symptoms. XEC was first spotted in Germany in June.
Cases have reportedly multiplied since then.
Over 27 countries have reported cases of the new variant.
According to Trauer, the increase in cases is likely to be felt in the northern hemisphere during winter.
He noted that the new variant could reach Australia in the coming weeks, but currently, there are no known cases.
Individuals infected with COVID-19 in Germany have a one-in-eight chance of acquiring the new variant.
The new variant might replace what’s currently circulating in Australia.
As long as it doesn’t trigger a new wave or increase the severity of the disease, health officials are not overly concerned.