BREAKING: COVID-19 variant detected, Nigerian government alerts medical directors

A COVID-19 variant known as XEC-COVID 19 has been detected and has sent panic across countries of the world because of its dangerous nature of quick killing of its victims.

This disease comes after five years of the former COVID-19 which started in China, spread across the world and killed millions of people from country to country until medical scientists developed drugs to curtail the effects.

In a letter of conveyance issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare which was signed by the Head of Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. O. N. Anuma and sighted by CAPITAL POST in Abuja on Saturday, said the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant was first reported in Australia and has spread to 29 countries.

The letter urged Medical Directors and Chief Medical Directors of hospital and medical facilities to activate their alert systems in order to possibly detect the disease in Nigeria.

The letter which was issued on behalf of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry urged Medical Directors to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share useful information across relevant platforms for purposes of enhancing monitoring protocols.

Part of the letter read: “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 the variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains raising concerns about its potential impact in public health.

“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-19- like symptoms.

“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 Federal Ministry of Health will be vital for effective response strategies”, the letter concluded.