Nigerian Government Alerts Hospitals on Vigilance Over Newly Detected XEC COVID-19 Variant
By Juliet Vincent
The Nigerian government has issued a warning about the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has spread to 29 countries.
The variant was first reported in Australia and has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.
The XEC variant is a recombinant strain, meaning it is a hybrid of two pre-existing COVID subvariants.
It has mutations that may affect how the virus behaves or its potential impact on human health.
As such, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has written the Chairman, Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, advising hospitals to activate their alert systems and be on high alert for patients with COVID-like symptoms.
The letter: “Letter of conveyance in respect of the newly detected xec covid-19 strain”, with DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 and dated December 5, 2024, was signed by Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head, Teaching Hospital Division for the Permanent Secretary.
The government tasked the committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding the strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols, which it said will be vital for effective response strategies.
