- Joined
- Nov 25, 2011
- Messages
- 28,098
- Points
- 113
UK has detected a new Covid variant. Here’s what we know so far about omicron XE
PUBLISHED WED, APR 6 20228:35 AM EDTUPDATED WED, APR 6 20222:54 PM EDTKaren Gilchrist@_KARENGILCHRIST
WATCH LIVE
KEY POINTS
- The XE variant has so far been detected in 637 patients, according to the latest statistics from the U.K. Health Security Agency.
- It is what’s known as a “recombinant,” meaning it contains a mix of the previously highly infectious omicron BA.1 strain, which emerged in late 2021, and the newer BA.2 variant, currently the U.K.’s dominant variant.
- Such recombinants are not uncommon, however health authorities said there is currently not enough evidence to draw conclusions on its transmissibility or severity.