Samuel God’spower
8 December, 2024
The federal government has intensified preventive measures against the newly identified XEC variant of COVID-19, a strain of the disease that has already been reported in 29 countries.
The development follows a circular issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to healthcare facilities across the country, urging heightened vigilance during the festive season when increased human movement is anticipated.
In a letter dated 5th December 2024, signed by O.N. Anuma on behalf of Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, the ministry emphasised the importance of enhanced monitoring and early detection. The letter highlighted the variant’s growth advantage over existing strains, raising concerns about its potential impact.
“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,” the letter read.
“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 and implement enhanced monitoring protocols,” it continued.
Efforts to verify the authenticity of the letter were inconclusive, as calls and messages to ministry officials went unanswered. However, a source familiar with the matter confirmed that the directive originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Addressing concerns, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, clarified that the letter was precautionary and not indicative of an outbreak in Nigeria. She reassured the public that no cases of the XEC variant had been detected in the country.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the XEC variant is a recombinant subvariant under close surveillance. While it exhibits increased transmissibility and potential immune evasion, preliminary findings suggest its symptoms resemble those of existing Omicron subvariants, with no evidence of heightened severity.
- Edo, Bayelsa Queens Eye Glory as NWFL Premiership Super 6 Kicks Off
- FG Plans Repatriation of 15,000 Stranded Nigerians from Abroad
- Korea Embassy Urges Global Promotion of Hanbok Cultural Heritage
- NHRC Receives 124 Complaints on Rights Violations in Kano
- Germany’s Merz Holds Talks with Netanyahu Ahead of Presidential Visits
Health authorities worldwide are urging countries, including Nigeria, to bolster surveillance of Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to monitor the virus’s evolution and mitigate its impact.
The government has emphasised adherence to safety protocols, particularly during high-traffic seasons, and called for cooperation from healthcare providers and the public in implementing preventive measures to mitigate potential risks associated with the XEC variant. Citizens are advised to remain informed and work closely with public health authorities as the situation evolves.