The Federal Government has urged Nigerian health authorities to increase their alert systems for the rapidly spreading XEC COVID-19 variant.
First identified in Australia, the XEC variant is now confirmed in 29 countries.
Dr O.N. Anuma, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, disclosed this in a letter dated December 5 to heads of healthcare institutions in the country.
In the letter, Anuma stated, “This variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains,” raising public health concerns.
“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms,” he said.
The letter also emphasized the need for collaboration and timely information-sharing among health institutions. Anuma requested, “We ask your committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain.”
As of September, the XEC variant had spread to 27 countries, including France and the United States, and infected over 600 people.
Though it has new mutations, scientists believe vaccines should prevent severe cases.
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