Nearly four years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government has issued a warning regarding the emergence of a new strain.
A circular from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced that the recently identified variant, known as XEC COVID-19, originated in Australia and has already been reported in 29 countries worldwide.
Dated December 5, 2024, and referenced as DHS/INSPDIV/O17/VOL.I/46, the circular was signed by Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary. It emphasizes that this new variant exhibits a growth advantage over existing strains, which raises significant public health concerns.
The circular urges hospitals to activate alert systems immediately to ensure a heightened awareness of COVID-like symptoms in patients.
Furthermore, it requests the collaboration of relevant committees and stakeholders to share critical data concerning this new strain.
