The Nigerian Government has urged health authorities to activate heightened alert systems.

This was contained in a letter through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare dated December 5.

It addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. O.N. Anuma.

This is in response to the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant that is rapidly spreading across the world.

XEC is the latest in a long list of past and current COVID variants being monitored as the COVID-19 virus naturally evolves.

This directive comes after the strain, first identified in Australia, has now been confirmed in 29 countries.

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 this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.”

Anuma emphasised the need for vigilance and immediate action.