The Federal Government, via the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has called on health authorities to enhance alert systems in response to the rapidly spreading XEC COVID-19 variant recently identified worldwide.
The XEC COVID-19 variant is the latest in a series of past and current strains under surveillance as the virus continues to evolve naturally.
This announcement follows confirmation that the variant, first identified in Australia, has now spread to 29 countries.
The directive was outlined in a letter dated December 5 and released to PUNCH Online on Saturday. Addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, it was issued by Dr. O.N. Anuma, the Permanent Secretary and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The letter stated, “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has been reported in Australia and has already spread to 29 countries globally.
“You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.”
Dr. Anuma underscored the urgency of heightened vigilance and swift action.
“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms,” he advised.
The directive also emphasized the need for collaboration and real-time information-sharing among health institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure a coordinated response.
Healthcare professionals were further encouraged to strengthen monitoring protocols and provide updates on the variant.
“We request your committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols.
“Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, will be vital for effective response strategies,” the letter concluded.
In September, PUNCH Healthwise reported that the XEC variant had spread to 27 countries, including France and the United States, infecting over 600 individuals.
Investigations by PUNCH Healthwise revealed that XEC was first identified in Germany in June, with additional cases subsequently reported in the UK, the US, Denmark, and several other countries.
Scientists noted that XEC contains new mutations that may enhance its ability to spread this autumn, though vaccines are expected to continue providing protection against severe cases.
Via: Punchng
