Beware Of The New Omicron XE Variant, More Contagious Than BA.2

Illustration (Photo: Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, said the new variant of COVID-19 with the name XE which recently appeared in a number of countries is more contagious than the previous variant.

The World Health Organization or WHO states that Omicron XE is a derivative of the Omicron variant. XE is known to be a combination or recombination of two pre-existing Omicron variants, namely BA.1 and BA.2.

"Based on preliminary data, it was found that the transmission capability of Omicron XE is about 10 percent higher than that of Omicron BA.2," said Wiku in a virtual press conference, Tuesday, April 5.

However, WHO has stressed the need for further research on the initial findings of variant XE.

This variant was first discovered in England on January 19, 2022. Currently, Omicron XE has been found in neighboring countries, namely Thailand.

People infected with Omicron XE generally do not have severe symptoms. In general, the symptoms felt when exposed to this variant are fatigue, dizziness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fever.

Wiku confirms that the Omicron XE has not been found in Indonesia until now. However, the government is wary of the potential entry of this variant along with the easing of restrictions on people's mobility.

"For this reason, the government always monitors and uses the latest data while still prioritizing the precautionary principle in various policy adjustments," said Wiku.

However, Wiku asked the public not to be too afraid. Given that viral recombination is not new and has happened a lot, including viruses other than COVID-19.

"Moreover, excessive fear will affect the body's immunity to face various threats of disease transmission around us," he added.