The new XEC COVID variant, first identified in Germany in June 2024, is spreading rapidly across Europe, with Ukraine, Norway, Slovenia, and Croatia among the latest countries to report cases. With 1,115 confirmed cases worldwide, XEC has now been detected in 29 countries, including 24 US states. Experts are raising concerns over the variant’s growing transmissibility and its potential to become the dominant strain during the winter months.
In Georgia, the situation is compounded by political factors, with public health experts expressing concerns about the government’s insufficient action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including possible new variants.
Rapid Spread Across Europe and Implications for Georgia
Since its discovery, the XEC variant—resulting from the combination of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 strains—has spread swiftly across Europe and beyond. Countries such as Ukraine, Norway, Slovenia, and Croatia are the most recent to report cases, with health authorities keeping a close watch. Although no official cases have been detected in Georgia, the rapid spread in neighboring regions raises concerns.
Professor Giorgi Pkhakadze, Chair of the Public Health Institute of Georgia, expressed concern about Georgia’s preparedness:
“It is highly likely that we will see XEC cases in Georgia soon, considering how rapidly it is spreading in neighboring countries. The government must act now, focusing on preventive measures like vaccination and public awareness.”
Georgia’s response has been complicated by political reluctance to recognize the ongoing threat of COVID-19. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who recently disclosed that he contracted COVID-19, has sparked public concern about whether he could have introduced a new variant into the country. This revelation has drawn criticism from public health experts who argue that the government’s lack of a coordinated response and transparency is dangerous.
Furthermore, the refusal of health authorities to regularly provide public updates on the COVID-19 situation has created an information vacuum.
Professor Pkhakadze noted, “This lack of transparency is unacceptable from a public health standpoint. Without real-time data, it’s impossible to accurately gauge the threat posed by the XEC variant and take necessary precautions.”
Symptoms, Risks, and the Need for Vigilance
The XEC variant exhibits symptoms similar to those of previous COVID-19 strains, including fever, persistent cough, loss of taste or smell, and severe fatigue. In some cases, patients may experience cold-like symptoms such as headaches, sore throats, and runny noses. Though most individuals recover within a few weeks, XEC has caused severe cases requiring hospitalization, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Georgia’s healthcare system may face significant strain should the XEC variant arrive. Professor Pkhakadze warned, “Our healthcare facilities need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. We cannot afford to be caught off guard if the XEC variant begins to spread locally.”
Vaccine Effectiveness and Georgia’s Readiness
The efficacy of existing vaccines against the XEC variant is a key concern. Though current vaccines were designed to combat earlier strains, experts believe they will still offer protection against XEC, as it is part of the Omicron family. Professor Francois Balloux of University College London suggested that while vaccines should provide good coverage, further research is needed to understand the full effectiveness against XEC.
Unfortunately, in Georgia, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign has slowed considerably due to political reluctance to acknowledge the ongoing threat posed by the virus. This public health gap is alarming, particularly given the government’s stance that COVID-19 no longer poses a significant risk. Such inaction has left the population vulnerable to severe outcomes, particularly with variants like XEC that could cause another wave of infections. Unfortunately, vaccination rates remain low, and there is little effort from the government to rectify this situation.
Professor Pkhakadze emphasized:
“The vaccination campaign in Georgia has stagnated, and this poses a serious threat. Without an active push for booster doses and first vaccinations, we leave the door wide open for XEC to spread unchecked.”
Public Health Response and Monitoring in Georgia
Despite rising concerns over the XEC variant, Georgia’s public health response has been hindered by political factors. Health authorities are not actively monitoring the situation, and the government is not providing the public with regular updates regarding COVID-19. This lack of transparency creates a dangerous environment where the virus could spread unnoticed. Although health experts continue to push for increased surveillance, there has been little action from the government to address the situation.
Effective communication and public awareness are essential. Professor Pkhakadze stressed, “We need to ensure that the public receives accurate, evidence-based information to avoid panic and foster informed decisions. Clear communication and public engagement are key to managing this situation effectively.”
Looking Ahead: Winter Months and Beyond
The approaching winter months pose additional risks, as respiratory infections, including COVID-19, tend to rise during this period. The arrival of the XEC variant in Europe has already caused concerns about a potential surge in cases. Without decisive action, Georgia could be vulnerable to a significant wave of infections. Preventive measures, including a renewed push for vaccination and public health awareness, are critical to mitigating the potential impact of the XEC variant.
References:
1. Independent. New Covid XEC variant starting to spread in Europe – what we know about signs and symptoms. Available from: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/new-covid-xec-variant-europe-symptoms-b2424371.html
2. Yale Medicine. 3 Things to Know About XEC, the Latest COVID Strain. Available from: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/xec-variant
3. BBC. What is Covid XEC and what are the symptoms to look out for? Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-66854983
4. The Guardian. How dangerous is the new XEC COVID variant? Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/29/new-xec-covid-variant-danger
5. DW. COVID FLiRT variants KP.3 and XEC: What you need to know. Available from: https://www.dw.com/en/covid-flirt-variants-kp3-and-xec-what-you-need-to-know/a-66583649
6. CDC. XEC Variant in the U.S. – Overview and Recommendations. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2024-xec-variant.html
7. NBC News. New XEC Covid variant explained: Symptoms, spread, what to know. Available from: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/xec-variant-what-to-know-covid-19
8. Eurasianet. Georgia’s Public Health Struggles Amid Political Denial of COVID-19. Available from: https://eurasianet.org/georgia-public-health-struggles-amid-covid-denial
9. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. XEC variant risk assessment. Available from: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-xec-covid
10. Al Jazeera. XEC COVID variant spreads to 29 countries, experts warn of increased transmissibility. Available from: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/28/what-is-xec-the-new-covid-variant-spreading-in-the-west
11. WHO. Weekly update on XEC variant, September 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/updates/covid-xec
12. Reuters. Georgia government rejects COVID-19 resurgence claims. Available from: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/georgia-dismisses-covid-19-claims-2024
13. News Georgia. Georgian Prime Minister Admits to Contracting COVID-19. Available from: https://newsgeorgia.ge/pm-covid19-case-raises-concerns/
