A warning regarding the recently discovered XEC COVID-19 strain, which has spread to 29 countries worldwide, has been issued by the Nigerian government.
This variant’s growth advantage over other circulating strains, which was originally detected in Australia, has sparked worries about its possible effects on public health.
Being a combination of two pre-existing COVID subvariants, the XEC variant is a recombinant strain. Mutations in it could change the virus’s behavior or possibly its effect on human health.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has written to the Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to address this issue. The letter advises hospitals to activate their alarm systems and be vigilant for patients exhibiting symptoms similar to those of COVID-19.
“Letter of conveyance in respect of the newly detected xec covid-19 strain” (DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46), dated December 5, 2024, was signed by the Permanent Secretary’s Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. O. N. Anuma.
The government assigned the group the responsibility of working with all pertinent parties to exchange key information on this strain and institute improved monitoring procedures, which it stated would be essential for successful response plans.
The portion of the letter that was received on Saturday said: “I am directed to notify you of a newly discovered XEC COVID-19 variant that has now spread to 29 nations worldwide after being identified in Australia. (A letter is attached.) You might want to be aware that this variation has outperformed other strains in circulation in terms of growth, which has sparked worries about its possible effects on public health.
“All of our hospitals should have alert systems turned on right away for patients exhibiting symptoms similar to COVID-19.
“To exchange vital information about this strain and put improved monitoring procedures in place, we ask your Committee to work with all pertinent parties. For response plans to be successful, timely information exchange between pertinent parties, including the Federal Ministry of Health, is essential.
“Please accept, as always, the assurances of the Permanent Secretary’s warm regards.”
In the meanwhile, the following are important details regarding the XEC variant:
“Transmission: The XEC variety has spread to numerous nations and is highly transmissible.
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The XEC variation has symptoms that are comparable to those of other COVID-19 strains, such as fever, diarrhea, congestion, coughing, and dyspnea.
“Vaccination: It is anticipated that the improved COVID-19 vaccinations will offer protection against the XEC form, however their efficacy may differ.
“Prevention: The usual precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection apply, including staying away from people who are sick, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and following other recommendations provided by the CDC.”
