KNOW YOUR XE

➘ First known case of the variant was detected in the UK on January 19

➘ Two suspected cases in India—in Gujarat and Maharashtra

➘ Evidence suggests XE is 10% more transmissible than other Omicron strains. Till now, 600 cases worldwide

➘ A ‘recombinant’ variant, XE emerged when an individual was infected by both BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron strains

➘ So far, disease caused by XE is assumed to be mild. Unclear how it will impact children, those unvaccinated