New variant XE has the ability to spread faster than Omicron

New Variation XE is a recombinant variant, a combination of the BA.1 and BA.2 variants of Omicron itself.

According to preliminary research, the XE variant was first discovered in the UK in January this year. Research shows that XE has a growth rate of infection in the community about 10% higher than BA.2; i.e. 43% more contagious than the Omicron variant.

However, more time and research is still needed to confirm this. Currently, the number of XE variants still accounts for a small part of the total number of cases globally.

Last week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also submitted a brief report to WHO, including some content related to the XE variant. According to UKHSA, there is evidence that the XE variant is spreading in the community. copper in England, although it was only 1% of the total samples sent for analysis.

Initial data on the growth rate of XE infections did not show a significant difference with BA.2. However, based on the latest data as of March 16, the growth rate of cases due to this variant could be 9.8% higher than that of BA.2.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Principal Medical Adviser at UKHSA said XE is a special recombinant variant that has an infectious growth rate unlike previous variants and requires more time to define specific characteristics. properties of this variant. UKHSA is continuing to monitor the situation.

Currently XE still accounts for a very small part of the total number of cases worldwide, but if it is true that the growth rate of cases due to infection with this variant is 10% higher than BA.2, the ability of XE to spread will up to 43% higher than that of Omicron, the variant that has raged worldwide in recent months.

However, concerns that BA.2, the current dominant variant, could cause new waves of infections have not shown any signs of becoming a reality even as many countries have lifted restrictive measures. . Scientists still hope that the trend of epidemics caused by XE will also develop similarly.

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