The agency noted that two cases of the XEC variant were detected—one in the Rostov Region and another in Ufa. Rospotrebnadzor continues to monitor the genetic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating within the country.
The XEC variant is a recombinant form of the virus, resulting from a combination of the FLiRT omicron, KS.1.1, and KP.3.3 subvariants. Symptoms associated with XEC include fever, sore throat, cough, loss of smell, fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, body aches, and a runny nose.
First identified in Germany in June, the XEC variant has been spreading rapidly, although its symptoms remain similar to those of recent omicron subvariants, according to Rospotrebnadzor. In France, XEC now accounts for approximately 21% of COVID-19 cases, while in Germany it represents 15%, and in the UK, 8%. It is currently one of the most widespread subvariants in these countries.
