KOLKATA: The XE variant could have a different set of symptoms than Omicron and may trigger a loss of the sense of taste and smell — which had been a prominent feature of the deadly Delta variant that was dominant during the second wave — along with other unusual signs like diarrhoea, skin irritation and discolouration, say experts. Mild fever, cough, runny nose and a sore throat could also be common among those afflicted with the strain — a combination of the BA.1 and BA.2 variants of Omicron.
Even though it could be milder than Omicron, XE is believed to be around 10 times more transmissible than the BA.2 variant.
