New COVID-19 Variants KP.3.1.1 and XEC Spread Rapidly

The CDC reports KP.3.1.1 as the dominant strain in the US, while XEC shows global spread and potential vaccine resistance.

KP.3.1.1 accounts for over 50% of COVID-19 cases in the US, according to the latest CDC data.
The XEC variant, first detected in Germany, is spreading in Europe, the US, and other countries.
XEC is classified as a variant of concern due to its ability to evade immune responses and potentially reduce vaccine effectiveness.
Symptoms of the XEC variant are similar to previous strains but may include a lower incidence of loss of smell and taste.
The CDC recommends an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against current variants, including KP.3.1.1 and XEC.