THERE is nationwide panic in Nigeria as the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has urged health authorities to activate heightened alert systems in response to the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant that is rapidly spreading across the globe.
XEC is the latest in a long list of past and current COVID variants being monitored as the COVID-19 virus naturally evolves.
This directive comes after the strain, first identified in Australia, has now been confirmed in 29 countries.
This was contained in a letter dated December 5 but made available to this newspaper on Saturday, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. O.N. Anuma.
The letter 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.
“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.”
Anuma emphasised the need for vigilance and immediate action.
“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms,” he stated.
The directive also highlighted the importance of collaboration and timely information-sharing among health institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure an effective response.
Medical professionals are also urged to enhance monitoring protocols and share critical data on the XEC 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,” he warned.
In September, this newspaper reported that XEC has spread across 27 countries, including France and the United States, infecting more than 600 people.
Findings by this newspaper revealed that XEC was identified in Germany in June with more cases of the variant having since emerged in the UK, the US, Denmark and several other countries.
XEC has some new mutations that might help it spread this harmattan season, although vaccines should still help prevent severe cases, according to scientists.