The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has issued a directive for heightened vigilance in response to the newly identified XEC COVID-19 variant, which is rapidly spreading across the globe.
The XEC strain, which was first detected in Australia, has now been confirmed in 29 countries. This new variant is part of the ongoing monitoring efforts of various COVID variants as the virus continues to evolve.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. O.N. Anuma, sent a letter dated December 5 to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, urging immediate action.
The letter, made available to The PUNCH on Saturday, read, “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.”
Dr. Anuma expressed concerns about the variant’s growth advantage over other circulating strains, which could impact public health.
He emphasized the importance of immediate vigilance, “Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.”
In addition to activating alert systems, the ministry called for improved coordination and timely information-sharing among health institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure a swift and effective response.
“We request your committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols,” Anuma said.
The ministry stressed that prompt information exchange between relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, is crucial for developing effective response strategies.
XEC was first identified in Germany in June and has since spread to other countries, including the UK, the US, and Denmark.
As of September, the variant had infected over 600 people in at least 27 countries, including France and the United States. Scientists note that XEC has mutations that may enhance its spread, particularly this autumn, though vaccines are expected to prevent severe cases.
