The Federal Government has sounded the alarm on a new COVID-19 strain, XEC, which is spreading rapidly across the globe. Health officials have been told to stay on high alert as the variant, first found in Australia, has now reached 29 countries.
A letter from Dr. O.N. Anuma, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, revealed the variant has a “growth advantage over other circulating strains.” He warned hospitals to “immediately activate alert systems” and keep a “high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.”
The government also called for improved collaboration among medical institutions to track and respond to the virus quickly.
Scientists report XEC has mutations that might make it more contagious this season, though vaccines are expected to reduce severe cases.
Will Nigeria take swift action, or will the virus catch the country unprepared once again?
