Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
COVID-19 sub-variant XEC arrives in New Zealand
The highly transmissable Covid-19 sub-variant, XEC has arrived in New Zealand, with one epidemiologist concerned people will die if there's an outbreak of the new strain.
This strain is a mix of two previous Omicron subvariants. A recombinant variant is created when a person is infected with two strains of a virus that then reproduce, resulting in a different strain.
ESR has detected a number of cases of the new strain in clinical samples.
Epidemiologist and Professor Michael Baker said a clear strategy is needed to reduce the impact of XEC.
It has been reported in about 30 other countries, including Australia.
Professor Paul Griffin from the University of Queensland told Checkpoint XEC seemed to be more infectious than other subvariants.
Although it did not seem to be more severe, Griffin said, it did seem to have "the concerning hallmarks of a subvariant."
"In many parts of the world it's predicted it'll be dominant, perhaps even by the middle of this month," he said.
Griffin added people needed to maintain a certain level of readiness and mitigating strategies.
"At the moment, I think one of our biggest challenges is actually complacency.
"The fact that we've got a new subvariant that's looking more infectious than taking over in many parts of the world, it should be a reminder that we need to keep up some of those basic strategies like vaccination, antivirals and simple measures to reduce getting infected and onward transmission."
The current Covid-19 vaccine is predicted to still be able to protect from the XCC subvariant too, he said.
"One of the challenges we face is a lot of people are saying that JN1 is not going to protect against XCC because it sounds different but in fact that's not the case and while its ability to protect will be reduced to a degree it'll still be very good.
"That'll be a really important part of our strategy to combat XCC and even the next subvariant that'll inevitably follow it."
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Buy NZ Made: Beware The Black Friday 'Deal'
Little Miracles Trust: 60 Landmarks Light Up Purple To Support Babies Fighting For Life On World Prematurity Day
Maia Studio: Frankie Venter Performs With Coldplay At Sold Out Eden Park Show
Royal NZ Ballet: RNZB's Tutus On Tour Returns For Summer 2025
Little Miracles Trust: The Little Miracles Trust World Prematurity Day Campaign
NZ Society for the Study of Diabetes: Critical Workforce Shortages Leave People With Type 1 Diabetes Unable To Access Life Changing Technology