SARS-CoV-2 subvariant XEC: emerging challenges amidst the global decline of KP.3.1.1

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen the emergence of numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants, each posing distinct public health challenges. The XEC variant, a recombinant Omicron subvariant, has rapidly gained prevalence globally, raising critical questions about its potential implications on health systems and public policy. This paper examines the emergence, spread, and unique characteristics of XEC, especially in the context of the global decline of KP.3.1.1, another significant Omicron lineage. We discussed the public health implications, including vaccine effectiveness, genomic surveillance, and healthcare system preparedness, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies in response to evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.