The Federal Government has issued a decisive directive to all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of tertiary hospitals, urging them to “immediately activate alert systems throughout the hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.”
This comes in response to the global circulation of the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has already been identified in 29 countries.
In a circular dated on the 5th of December 2024, and referenced DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, Dr. O. N. Anuma, the Head of the Teaching Hospital Division for the Permanent Secretary, raised the alarm over the variant’s potential public health threat.
The document, titled “Letter of Conveyance in Respect of the Newly Detected XEC COVID-19 Strain,” underscored the strain’s significant “growth advantage over other circulating strains,” amplifying fears of its rapid spread and possible consequences.
The letter conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, “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. (Letter attached) 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.”
In response, hospitals have been tasked with strengthening their alert systems and maintaining a heightened awareness of COVID-like symptoms among patients. Additionally, the circular urged committees to collaborate with stakeholders to exchange critical data on the variant and enhance monitoring protocols.
The communication emphasized the importance of timely information sharing with bodies such as the Federal Ministry of Health, framing this as vital for implementing effective response strategies.
The letter closed on a formal yet reassuring note: “Please accept, as always, the assurances of the permanent secretary’s warm regards.”