FG Calls For Vigilance As New COVID-19 Variant XEC Is Confirmed In 29 Countries
In response to the recently discovered XEC COVID-19 variant that is quickly spreading throughout the world, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has urged health authorities to activate heightened alert systems.
As the COVID-19 virus naturally evolves, XEC is the most recent in a long list of historical and contemporary COVID variants being tracked.
Following the strain’s initial identification in Australia and subsequent confirmation in 29 other countries, this directive was issued.
This was stated in a recent letter written by Dr. O.N. Anuma, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors.
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 reiterated 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.
In order to ensure an effective response, the directive also emphasized how crucial it is for health institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to work together and share information promptly.
Additionally, health care providers are encouraged to share important information about the XEC variant and improve monitoring procedures.
“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.
Didactic Information Hut reports that XEC was identified in Germany in June 2024 with more cases of the variant noticed in the UK, the US, France, Denmark and several other countries with over 600 infections so far.
Scientists say vaccines should still help prevent severe cases, but XEC has some new mutations that could help it spread this autumn.
