COVID XEC Variant Makes Its Way to Ohio; What You Need to Know This Fall
WCTU — As autumn arrives, health experts are closely monitoring a new COVID-19 subvariant, XEC, which has been spreading globally and is now present in half of the U.S. states. This recombinant subvariant of Omicron first emerged in Europe this summer and has since been detected in 27 countries, including the United States, where cases have been reported across 25 states. Though its prevalence in the U.S. remains low, experts are concerned it could gain ground in the coming weeks, potentially contributing to a fall surge.
The XEC variant is a combination of two prior Omicron subvariants, KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. Although it has not yet reached the CDC’s threshold to appear on the official COVID Data Tracker (which requires a variant to account for at least 1% of infections in a two-week span), scientists expect it could surpass the currently dominant KP.3.1.1 variant. Dr. Eric Topol, founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, noted that XEC "appears to be the most likely one to get legs next," meaning it could drive future case increases.
Symptoms of XEC Infection
While there are no specific symptoms unique to the XEC variant, those infected tend to experience the same symptoms associated with previous Omicron strains, which can vary in severity from mild to serious. According to the CDC, the common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, including XEC, are:
Sore throat
Cough
Fatigue
Headache
Body aches
Congestion or runny nose
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath
Nausea or loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Loss of taste or smell
Emergency symptoms that warrant immediate medical care include difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and skin, lips, or nails that appear pale, blue, or gray.
Ways to Avoid Infection
As the variant continues to spread, it's essential to take preventive measures. The CDC and health experts recommend the following steps to protect yourself from contracting the XEC variant or any other COVID-19 strain:
Get Vaccinated: The updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines are available and recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Although the new vaccines were designed to target the KP.2 strain, they are expected to provide protection against XEC as well. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Wear a Mask: In crowded indoor spaces, wearing a mask can reduce transmission, especially in areas where COVID activity is high.
Maintain Social Distancing: Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick or in crowded spaces where physical distancing isn't possible.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
Improve Ventilation: Ensuring proper air circulation in indoor spaces can help reduce the concentration of airborne viruses.
Stay Home if Sick: If you’re experiencing any symptoms, avoid going to work or public places. Testing and self-isolation are critical to preventing further spread.
What to Do if You Contract XEC
If you contract the XEC variant or any other strain of COVID-19, the CDC provides the following guidelines:
Get Tested: It’s important to confirm infection, particularly if you're experiencing symptoms. Current COVID-19 tests are expected to detect the XEC variant.
Isolate: Stay home and avoid contact with others. You can return to normal activities after at least 24 hours of being fever-free, with symptoms improving.
Antivirals: If you’re at high risk for severe disease (e.g., older adults, people with underlying health conditions), consult your doctor about antiviral treatments like Paxlovid. These are most effective when taken early in the course of infection.
States with Reported XEC Cases
As of mid-September, XEC has been detected in at least 25 U.S. states, according to the global virus database GISAID and other tracking systems. New Jersey has reported the most XEC infections, followed by other states where cases have been detected, including:
New Jersey (with the highest reported cases)
California
Virginia
Texas
Florida
New York
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Michigan
Ohio
North Carolina
Georgia
Arizona
Washington
Massachusetts
Colorado
Louisiana
Minnesota
Nevada
Tennessee
Oregon
New Mexico
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Alabama
Labs in these states have identified cases through genomic sequencing, and additional states are likely to report cases in the coming weeks as the virus spreads further. Many of the earliest cases were identified at testing facilities, including those sampling travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute.
As of the most recent publicly available data, there have been no specific reports of XEC variant cases being detected in the Northeast Ohio region. While the XEC variant has been identified in Ohio, most variant tracking platforms and news outlets (such as Outbreak.info, GISAID, and the CDC) provide data on a state-wide basis, rather than at the city or regional level.
Given that Ohio has reported XEC cases, it's possible that some cases could be present in Northeast Ohio, but no detailed, city-specific information has been made public in local or national sources at this time. Monitoring platforms like Outbreak.info or following the Ohio Department of Health updates will be crucial to staying informed as more detailed tracking may be released in the future.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended that you regularly check with the:
Cleveland Department of Public Health
Cuyahoga County Board of Health
Ohio Department of Health's COVID-19 Variant Dashboard
These resources are likely to provide more localized updates if cases are confirmed in Cleveland or the surrounding areas of Northeast Ohio.
Looking Ahead
It is unclear whether XEC will drive a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in the U.S. this fall. Some experts predict that this year’s winter wave may not be as severe as in previous years, due to the immunity gained during the summer wave. However, the unpredictable nature of new variants means continued vigilance is essential. "I can firmly predict that there will be a winter increase," said Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, though the exact timing and size of that increase remain uncertain.
Getting vaccinated, maintaining good hygiene, and following public health guidelines are key steps to protect against infection as we enter respiratory virus season.
Additional news coverage on this, from other local networks, can be found at the following sources:
CBS News, "New COVID variant XEC now in half of states. Here's what to know," Available online.
Fortune, "Will the XEC COVID variant bring a fall wave of infections? What to know about symptoms and spread," Available online.
Today, "New XEC COVID variant is on the rise. What are its symptoms, and will it cause a surge?" Available online.
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