The newly discovered COVID-19 variant XEC is making its way to California, raising concerns as it spreads rapidly in various countries, including the U. S. The variant, which first appeared in Berlin in late June, has been recorded in 27 countries, with around 550 samples identified globally. In the U. S.

, there are currently only 23 cases, three of which are in California. Experts, such as Chief Dr. Dean Blumberg from UC Davis Health, caution that it remains uncertain whether XEC will become a dominant strain or fade away. Despite the emergence of XEC, California has seen a decrease in COVID-19 cases and deaths since late August, as reported by the California Department of Public Health. The CDC has yet to confirm whether XEC has any distinct symptoms.

As the flu season approaches, health officials emphasize the importance of monitoring COVID-19 variants closely. The public is encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this transitional period.