The Federal Government has raised its precautions for a potential Public Health challenge following the detection of the XEC COVID-19 variant in 29 countries, including Australia, France, and the United States. This recombinant variant, identified as a sublineage of Omicron, has raised concerns due to its rapid spread and unique genetic characteristics. Medical centres across Nigeria have been directed to intensify monitoring efforts to detect potential cases promptly. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare communicated this directive in a letter addressed to hospital chief medical directors.
Furthermore, the government stressed the need for enhanced surveillance systems, urging Healthcare Providers to remain vigilant and report any unusual trends associated with COVID-19-like symptoms. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration and timely data sharing among medical institutions to ensure an effective and coordinated response. The XEC variant, first identified in May 2024, combines genetic materials from two distinct Omicron sublineages, making it a recombinant strain. Preliminary studies suggest that it exhibits increased transmissibility and can evade immune defences, raising alarms about its potential to cause widespread infections.
Emergence of the XEC strain prompts global health organisations.
However, despite these concerns, experts have not found evidence that it results in more severe illness than other Omicron variants. XEC symptoms remain consistent with those of previous COVID-19 strains. These include fever, persistent cough, fatigue, sore throat, and headaches. While these symptoms are not unique, the variant’s ability to spread rapidly has made it a focus of global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO). In response to this situation, the Federal Ministry of Health has instructed hospitals nationwide to implement heightened alert systems.
Medical directors have been directed to prioritise early detection of the strain by closely monitoring patients presenting flu-like symptoms. Meanwhile, the ministry emphasised the importance of strengthening communication channels to ensure swift action in case of an outbreak. Hospitals are also encouraged to adopt a more integrated approach, collaborating with local and international health agencies to exchange vital information about the virus variant. This collaboration is critical for understanding the strain’s behaviour, spread, and potential implications for public health.
Africa’s vigilance in monitoring sublineage and their characteristics.
Across Africa, health systems are urged to ramp up efforts to monitor COVID-19 variants. The Africa CDC has called on member states to strengthen surveillance for influenza-like illnesses and severe respiratory infections. Such measures are vital for tracking the emergence and evolution of variants like XEC, which may pose significant challenges to the continent’s health systems. On the other hand, health authorities are particularly focused on vaccinating high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Despite limited resources, there is a consensus that continued genomic surveillance and timely reporting are essential to staying ahead of the virus.
One of the defining features of the virus strain is its genetic uniqueness. As a recombinant strain, it has inherited mutations from two Omicron sublineages, giving it a competitive edge in spread and immune evasion. These attributes make it particularly concerning for public health officials working to understand its full impact. While no evidence suggests that XEC causes more severe symptoms, its ability to spread rapidly makes it a potential disruptor in communities that have relaxed their COVID-19 protocols. Health experts continue to monitor the strain to determine whether additional preventive measures will be necessary.
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In light of the potential risks associated with XEC, individuals are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their communities. Vaccination remains the most effective way to guard against COVID-19 and its strain. Booster shots are particularly important for enhancing immunity and protecting against emerging strains. Wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces can reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining good hand hygiene through frequent washing with soap and water is another simple but effective measure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or fatigue must stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent potential spread.