By Abiola Olawale
Concerns have begun to emerge over reports that a new variant of the deadly COVID-19 disease has spread to over 29 countries.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has also placed hospitals in the country on a high alert over the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant.
The New Diplomat reports that the newly detected variant was first reported in Australia and was said to have shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health and the safety of citizens.
According to medical experts, the XEC variant of COVID-19 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.
Reacting to the development, the 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 which was titled: “Letter of conveyance in respect of the newly detected exec covid-19 strain”, with DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, was dated December 5, 2024, was signed by Dr O. N. Anuma, Head, Teaching Hospital Division for the Permanent Secretary.
The letter reads in part: “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. (Letter attached) 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.
“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.
“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.
“Please accept, as always, the assurances of the Permanent Secretary’s warm regards.”
It would be recalled that the first case of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria was announced on 27 February 2020, when an Italian national in Lagos tested positive for the virus. On 9 March 2020, a second case of the virus was reported in Ewekoro, Ogun State, a Nigerian citizen who came into contact with the Italian national.
Since then, Nigeria has witnessed about 255,000 confirmed cases in the country with 3,155 deaths recorded from the pandemic.
