FG alerts Nigerians on XEC COVID-19 - ITREALMS

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has alerted citizens of the latest variant of COVID-19 known as XEC COVID-19, reports ITREALMS.

The SARS-CoV-2 variant XEC is, in part, a result of mutation due to recombination between two variants related to JN. 1; of which experts said these viruses look new to the immune system, sometimes these SARS-CoV-2 variants might escape immunity and make people sick.

The government through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, department of hospital services, in a letter to chairman, Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in the teaching hospitals, signed by the Head, Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. O.N. Anuma, for the permanent secretary, urged them to take note of the XEC COVID-19 variant.

In a ‘Letter of conveyance in respect of the newly detected XEC COVID-19 STRAIN” and dated Thursday, December 5, 2024, FG informed 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 said.

The letter also said that “Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.”

FG, therefore, requested the Committee’s collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data information regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols.

Pointing out that “timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders including Federal Ministry of Health will be vital for effective response strategies.”

Remmy Nweke/DoP
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