From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government has directed increased vigilance among health authorities in response to the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant.
The XEC variant, first identified in Australia, has been confirmed in 29 countries. While it was identified in Germany in June, the variant has since spread to the UK, the US, France, Denmark, and other nations. In September, over 600 cases were confirmed worldwide, and its mutations are believed to enhance its transmissibility.
Directing increased vigilance among health authorities, particularly for patients exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr O.N. Anuma, in a letter addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, stressed the importance of activating heightened alert systems across Nigerian hospitals.
Dr Anuma, who emphasised the necessity of collaboration between health institutions and the ministry to ensure an effective response, noted that the “variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health. Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.”
Health professionals are also urged to enhance monitoring protocols, share critical data on the XEC variant, and implement coordinated response strategies.
“Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, will be vital for effective response strategies”, Anuma added.
Meanwhile, scientists said existing vaccines remain effective in preventing severe cases.
