Health officials issue statement as new XEC Covid strain 'spreading in UK'
The UK Health Security (UKHSA) has issued a statement in response to reports that a new Covid strain, named XEC, is now circulating in the UK.
Experts have warned that the new variant, which was first discovered in Germany in June, will soon become the dominant variant and lead to a new wave of infections over the coming months.
Cases have reportedly been found in the UK, US and Denmark among other countries. The UKHSA said the emergence of new variants is "normal and expected", and urged people who are eligible for booster vaccines to take up the offer if contacted by the NHS. READ MORE: NHS issues warning to parents of toddlers over vital vaccination READ MORE: NHS sends message after Jamie Theakston listeners spotted 'change in voice' before cancer diagnosis It is understood the new variant emerged from Omicron subvariants, with experts suggesting that means the vaccines will be effective against the new strain.
In a statement, UKHSA deputy director Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said: "It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time.
United States
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