Health

Federal Government Issues Alert Over New COVID-19 Variant XEC, Now in 29 Countries

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 7th, 2024.

Federal Government Issues Alert Over New COVID-19 Variant XEC, Now in 29 Countries

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has called on health authorities to heighten their vigilance in light of the newly identified XEC COVID-19 variant, which is spreading rapidly across the globe.

XEC is the latest in a series of evolving COVID-19 variants being closely monitored by health officials. Initially discovered in Australia, the variant has now been reported in 29 countries.

The Ministry of Health issued a notice on December 5, which was made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday. The letter, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, was signed by Dr. O.N. Anuma, the Permanent Secretary in charge of the Teaching Hospital Division.

The letter stated: “We are writing to inform you about the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, first identified in Australia, which has now spread to 29 countries worldwide. This variant shows a significant growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential effects on public health.”

Dr. Anuma emphasized the urgency of increased vigilance and immediate action to detect the variant. “Alert systems must be activated across all healthcare facilities, with a high level of suspicion for COVID-like symptoms in patients,” he said.

The communication further stressed the need for seamless cooperation and prompt information exchange between medical institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health. “It is essential for health bodies to collaborate and share relevant data on this variant to implement effective monitoring and response strategies,” the letter continued.

Health professionals have been urged to enhance their monitoring procedures and provide critical updates on the XEC variant. “We request your committee to work closely with all stakeholders and ensure that important data about this strain is shared in a timely manner,” Dr. Anuma concluded.

Earlier reports from FIRST CLASS GISTS Healthwise in September indicated that XEC had already spread to 27 countries, including France and the United States, infecting over 600 individuals. The variant was first detected in Germany in June and has since appeared in the UK, the US, Denmark, and other countries.

While scientists suggest that the new mutations in XEC could potentially enhance its spread during the autumn season, they also note that vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe cases of the virus.