The Federal Government, via the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has urged health authorities to raise alert levels following the detection of the XEC COVID-19 variant, which is rapidly spreading worldwide.
First identified in Australia, the XEC variant has now been confirmed in 29 countries, prompting a global health response. A letter, dated December 5, from Dr. O.N. Anuma, Permanent Secretary and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, was sent to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors. It was shared with PUNCH Online on Saturday.
The letter stated: “I am writing to inform you about the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, initially reported in Australia, and now spreading to 29 countries globally. This variant has shown increased growth over other circulating strains, raising concerns for public health.”
Dr. Anuma stressed the importance of heightened vigilance and prompt action. “Alert systems should be activated in all hospitals to maintain a high index of suspicion in patients exhibiting COVID-like symptoms,” he urged.
The Ministry also emphasized the need for cooperation and swift data-sharing among health institutions and stakeholders to address the potential risks posed by the variant.
“We request your committee to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, sharing crucial data on this strain and implementing enhanced monitoring protocols,” the letter continued. “Timely information exchange, particularly with the Federal Ministry of Health, is essential for effective response measures,” Anuma warned.
Healthcare professionals have been instructed to step up monitoring protocols and ensure a coordinated approach to address the emerging threat of the XEC variant.
