The Federal Government has issued a directive to tertiary hospitals nationwide to activate alert systems in response to the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been identified in 29 countries, including Australia.
In a circular dated December 5, 2024, and signed by Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, the government expressed concerns about the variant’s growth advantage over other circulating strains, warning of its potential impact on public health.
The letter titled “Letter of Conveyance in Respect of the Newly Detected XEC COVID-19 Strain” called for immediate vigilance in detecting and responding to COVID-like symptoms among patients.
It read in part: “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. (Letter attached) 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.”
Chief medical directors and medical directors of tertiary hospitals have been instructed to activate alert systems, collaborate with stakeholders, enhance monitoring protocols and share timely information.
The government emphasised the importance of collaboration and rapid response in addressing this new threat, stating that “timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, will be vital for effective response strategies.”
This development comes as the XEC variant demonstrates increased transmissibility compared to other circulating strains.
