Scientists have warned that the “more contagious” XEC variant of the Covid virus, a sublineage of omicron, is spreading rapidly across Europe, North America, and Asia. First reported in Berlin, the variant is becoming dominant in several countries, including Slovenia, Germany, and the UK. XEC is a hybrid of previously discovered omicron subvariants, known for its more effective binding to human cells. Despite its spread, experts advise that current vaccines and booster shots provide sufficient protection against severe illness.
