The Nigerian government has issued a warning about the XEC COVID-19 variant, now confirmed in 29 countries. Hospitals are directed to activate alert systems and enhance surveillance as the strain shows a growth advantage. Health authorities are urged to collaborate and share data for effective response and public safety.
The Nigerian government has raised concerns over the newly identified XEC COVID-19 variant, urging health authorities to activate heightened alert systems across hospitals. The variant, first detected in Australia, has rapidly spread to 29 countries, prompting the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to issue a warning.
In a letter dated December 5, Dr. O.N. Anuma, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary for the Teaching Hospital Division, informed the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors about the variant’s spread and its potential impact on public health. The letter emphasized that XEC shows a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns over its ability to cause widespread infections.
The government directed hospitals to immediately implement alert systems to ensure high suspicion for patients showing COVID-like symptoms. It also stressed the importance of collaboration and timely information sharing among health institutions and the Ministry for effective response and monitoring. Health professionals are urged to enhance surveillance and share critical data regarding the XEC variant.
XEC, which has already affected over 600 individuals across 27 countries, including France and the United States, was first identified in Germany in June. Experts note that while the variant's mutations may help it spread more easily, vaccines remain effective in preventing severe cases.
As the situation evolves, Nigerian health authorities are on high alert, working to ensure that swift measures are taken to prevent further spread of the variant and safeguard public health.
