The Federal Government has issued a directive to chief medical directors and medical directors of tertiary hospitals to heighten alertness following the spread of the new XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been detected in 29 countries worldwide.
In a memo dated December 5, 2024, and referenced as DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division for the Permanent Secretary, emphasized the potential public health risks posed by the new variant, which has demonstrated a growth advantage over other strains.
The memo, titled Letter of Conveyance in Respect of the Newly Detected XEC COVID-19 STRAIN, states: “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.”
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Medical directors were urged to implement alert systems immediately for a heightened level of suspicion in patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms. The circular further reads: “Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.”
The government has also called for collaboration among relevant stakeholders to exchange essential data on this variant and put in place enhanced monitoring procedures. “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.”
The memo concluded with: “Please accept, as always, the assurances of the permanent secretary’s warm regards.”