Omicron KP.2.3/XEC: New Hybrid Strain Spreading 2x Faster Than Before

September 20, 2024 – The Medical Genome Center Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital has reported a new hybrid strain of COVID-19, known as Omicron KP.2.3/XEC, which is spreading 2x faster than previous strains.

COVID-19 Infection Cluster Found in Nine Countries

The new hybrid strain “KP.2.3/XEC” has been detected in nine countries in the Northern Hemisphere, including the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, Ukraine, and the United States. A total of 21 infected people have been confirmed through random whole-genome genetic decoding.

However, the actual number of infected people could be higher due to reduced testing for the genetic code of COVID-19 in new patients to save costs. As a result, there may be many more infected people who have not been detected.

The Evolution of COVID-19

Recently, scientists have discovered a new hybrid strain caused by the combination of two strains of Omicron, XEC and KP.2.3. Although there is no official name yet, the medical community refers to it as the “KP.2.3/XEC hybrid”.

This virus is rapidly spreading in many countries, with genetic code analysis indicating that it may be more transmissible than the XEC strain.

Relative Growth Advantage of KP.2.3/XEC Hybrid

By analyzing the genetic codes of infected people around the world, it was discovered that the “KP.2.3/XEC hybrid” has a relative growth advantage over other Omicron strains circulating in the world of 102%, or about 2 times.

In comparison, XEC has a relative growth advantage over other Omicron strains circulating around the world of only about 64% or 1.64-fold.

Implications for Public Health

Scientists must closely monitor this new strain, as it can influence the severity of the disease, evasion of immunity, and the effectiveness of existing vaccines.

Although it is still too early to draw conclusions about the full impact, these results warn us to remain vigilant. Public health agencies around the world are rushing to research this new strain, following its spread, and testing the effectiveness of vaccines and drugs to prepare for any changes in the situation.

Prevention Measures

At this time, people should carefully follow the news and strictly adhere to disease prevention measures to reduce the risk of infection and further spread of infection.