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Covid-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms
The XEC COVID-19 variant, first identified in Europe, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As infections tick upward, public health experts are urging vigilance.
The strain, a mix of earlier Omicron subvariants, exhibits symptoms similar to Omicron and its predecessors. These include:
Congestion,
Runny nose,
Cough,
Shortness of breath,
Fever or chills,
Fatigue.
Notably, loss of taste and smell — once hallmark signs of COVID-19 — has become increasingly rare.
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Covid-19: Hudson Valley Infection Rate Climbs Past 11.5 Percent Amid New Increase In Cases
The Hudson Valley's average COVID-19 test positivity rate continues to climb as cases increase across the state.
New York State officials reported that as of Sunday, Dec. 26, the seven-day average percentage of positive tests in the Hudson Valley region had reached 11.55 percent, increasing from 11.04 percent as of Saturday, Dec. 25, and 10.35 percent as of Friday, Dec. 24.
The statewide seven-day average was 12.41 percent, officials said.
The update reported on Monday, Dec. 27, included another 26,737 cases statewide, and 166,681 tests completed.
Officials also reported another…
