New COVID variant XEC detected in 25 states including New Jersey

A new COVID-19 variant called XEC has been detected in at least 25 U.S. states, with New Jersey reporting the highest number of cases. Health officials are not currently raising alarms about XEC, unlike previous variants. XEC was first identified in early August, coinciding with reports from Europe and Virginia. It is a recombinant strain of two other variants and is not expected to outcompete the dominant KP.3.1.1 variant in the U.S. The CDC has not linked XEC to any specific symptoms and continues to recommend updated COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines target the KP.2 strain, despite some debate over the choice. The FDA remains confident in their effectiveness against circulating variants.