The Federal Government, via the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has called on health authorities to implement heightened alert systems in light of the newly identified XEC COVID-19 variant, which is swiftly spreading worldwide. 

XEC is the most recent addition to the ongoing list of COVID variants under observation as the virus continues to evolve naturally. This instruction follows the strain's initial detection in Australia, which has now been confirmed in 29 countries.

This information was conveyed in a letter dated December 5, which was made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday. The letter, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, was issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. O.N. Anuma.

The letter stated, “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.

“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.”

Anuma stressed the necessity for vigilance and prompt action. “Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms,” he stated.

The directive also underscored the significance of collaboration and timely information-sharing among health institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure an effective response. Medical professionals are encouraged to enhance monitoring protocols and disseminate critical data regarding the XEC variant.

“We request your committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols. Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Health will be vital for effective response strategies,” he warned.

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has urged health authorities to establish heightened alert systems in response to the newly identified XEC COVID-19 variant, which is rapidly spreading across the globe.

XEC is the latest variant added to the ongoing list of COVID variants being monitored as the virus continues to evolve. This directive follows the variant's initial identification in Australia, which has since been confirmed in 29 countries.

This information was shared in a letter dated December 5, which was made available on Saturday. The letter, directed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, was issued by Dr. O.N. Anuma, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division.

This communication formally advises of a newly identified XEC COVID-19 variant reported in Australia, with subsequent global spread to 29 countries. This variant exhibits increased transmissibility compared to other circulating strains, prompting concerns regarding its potential public health implications.

Anuma emphasized the importance of vigilance and swift action. “Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients exhibiting COVID-like symptoms,” he stated.

The directive emphasizes the critical need for collaborative efforts and the timely exchange of information among healthcare institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure a robust response. Medical professionals should strengthen monitoring protocols and promptly disseminate crucial data concerning the XEC variant.

The committee is requested to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols. Timely information sharing among stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, is vital for effective response strategies.