Two cases of infection with a new variant of the coronavirus XEC were recorded in Russia, according to the press service of the Russian consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor. According to the Russian watchdog, two cases of infection with the new variant XEC were recorded in the Rostov region and the Russian city of Ufa. According to the watchdog's experts, XEC is a recombinant variant consisting of two subvariants of Omicron's FLiRT - KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Its symptoms are similar to previous variants, and the new variant causes fever, sore throat, cough, loss of sense of smell, loss of appetite, body aches, fatigue, headache and runny nose. XEC is most common in France, where it accounts for about 21% of sequenced samples, as well as in Germany, where it accounts for 15%, and the United Kingdom, with 8% of all infections. Rospotrebnadzor does not provide any specific recommendations regarding the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus, but reminds citizens of the need to use personal protective e quipment, wash hands regularly, avoid contact with patients, and ventilate rooms. The agency stresses the need to stay at home and consult a doctor if symptoms of the disease appear. Rospotrebnadzor had previously reported on the spread of the new subtype of the coronavirus XEC. The new variant is characterized by a high prevalence, and its symptoms resemble modern subtypes of the Omicron strain. XEC was first identified in July in Germany, and was subsequently detected in several other countries. The first cases of infection with this subtype date back to May 2024 in Italy. However, XEC samples appeared in the international GISAID database only in September. Source: National Iraqi News Agency