Saturday, December 07, 2024 -The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has called on health authorities to activate heightened alert systems following the detection of the XEC COVID-19 variant, which is rapidly spreading globally.
XEC, the latest variant in the evolving COVID-19 virus lineage, was
first identified in Australia and has now been confirmed in 29 countries.
This directive was contained in a letter dated December 5, addressed to
the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors by Dr. O.N.
Anuma, Permanent Secretary and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, and made
available to PUNCH Online on Saturday.
The letter stated, “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.
“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.”
Dr. Anuma emphasized the need for vigilance and immediate action. “Alert
systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index
of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms,” he stated.
The ministry’s directive also stressed the importance of collaboration
and timely information-sharing among health institutions and stakeholders to
mitigate the potential risks associated with the variant.
“We request your committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders
to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring
protocols,” the letter read.
“Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders, including the
Federal Ministry of Health, will be vital for effective response strategies,”
Anuma warned.
Medical professionals have been urged to enhance monitoring protocols
and ensure a coordinated response to the emerging threat posed by the XEC
variant.
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