The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called on health authorities to increase alert levels in response to the newly identified XEC COVID-19 variant, which is spreading rapidly worldwide.
XEC is the latest in a series of COVID-19 variants and it evolved from two other recombinant variants. This variant is currently under surveillance as the virus continues to evolve. The directive follows reports that the strain, initially detected in Australia, has now been confirmed in 29 countries.
The Directives Issued
The information was shared in a circular with reference number DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, dated 5th December 2024 and titled “Letter of Conveyance in Respect of the Newly Detected XEC COVID-19 SRTAIN”. The document, authored by Dr. O.N. Anuma, the Permanent Secretary and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, was addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors.
Anuma stressed the importance of vigilance and prompt action, highlighting that this variant has demonstrated a growth advantage over other circulating strains, which raises concerns about its possible effects on public health. To avert this, the Permanent Secretary has called for the immediate activation of alert systems in hospitals across Nigeria to ensure high suspicion in patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms.
The directive emphasised the need for collaboration and prompt information-sharing between health institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure a coordinated and effective response. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to strengthen monitoring protocols and exchange crucial data on the XEC variant.
The federal government has called on the medical professionals’ committee to work closely with relevant stakeholders, share essential data on the strain, and implement improved monitoring measures. Timely communication among key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, will be critical for devising effective response strategies.
About XEC(COVID-19 Variant)
The XEC strain, a subvariant of the Omicron lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was first identified in Germany in early August 2024. It is a recombinant from the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants. Since its initial detection, the strain has been reported in 29 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, with over 600 confirmed cases documented in the past four months.
Countries affected include Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, Canada, China, Norway, Poland, and the Netherlands. Notably, the number of cases has continued to rise in the UK, the US, Denmark, and other nations. As of September 2024, the US had the highest number of reported cases at 118. Scientists were able to detect the rising concern of XEC through the public database called Gisaid.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the XEC strain spreads in a manner similar to other COVID-19 variants, primarily through respiratory droplets released when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also revealed some of the symptoms to watch out for, such as fever or chills, shortness of breath, cough, congestion or runny nose, diarrhoea, and loss of taste or smell. While most individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms, those with underlying health conditions may be at greater risk of developing severe complications.
Scientists have identified new mutations within the strain that may enhance its transmissibility during the autumn months. However, they emphasise that existing vaccines should still provide robust protection against severe illness caused by the variant and other rising variants, such as the MC.1 strain, which also descends from the KP.3.1.1 variant and is responsible for 6% of cases. Vaccination remains recommended as it reduces the likelihood of severe disease, even in the face of mutations that might increase the strain’s ability to spread.
Public health measures such as wearing masks, maintaining good hand hygiene, and social distancing remain critical to limiting transmission, especially in areas where the strain is prevalent.
