New XEC variant of COVID-19 not present in Nigeria (FG)

The Federal Ministry of Health has dispelled rumors regarding the presence of the newly identified XEC variant of COVID-19 in Nigeria, reassuring the public that no cases of the strain have been reported in the country.

As a newly detected COVID-19 variant, XEC has spread globally, reaching approximately 29 countries.

This variant has shown increased virulence compared to other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on health systems, particularly in Nigerian federal tertiary hospitals.

Despite its spread, the ministry confirmed that Nigeria is still not affected by the variant.

“However, the good news is that there is no XEC variant of COVID in Nigeria” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Public safety measures and surveillance

The ministry urged the public not to panic and continue to follow universal precautions, including regular hand washing and maintaining personal hygiene.

To ensure the country’s preparedness, the Federal Ministry of Health and its agencies have intensified surveillance efforts, particularly at all points of entry into Nigeria.

The government has also proactively upgraded facilities at federal tertiary hospitals, including establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centers and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.

Fighting misinformation

In response to widespread misinformation on social media, the ministry stressed the importance of correcting false claims regarding a purported resurgence of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

“We urge the public to disregard the contents of a letter (Ref. NO.DHS/NSPDIV/VOL1/46, dated December 5, 2024) which has been widely shared on social media,” the ministry warned .

“Citizens are advised to remain calm, rely on verified information from official sources and continue their daily activities as usual. » adds the press release.

Commitment to health safety

The ministry reassured Nigerians that the country remains unaffected by the variant and that robust surveillance systems continue to monitor emerging infectious diseases.

To protect public health, the federal government is committed to maintaining enhanced preparedness in health care facilities and surveillance at all points of entry.

“The general public is advised not to panic but continue to observe universal precautions, including maintaining personal hygiene and regular hand washing. » concluded the ministry.

Reaffirming health sector preparedness

The Federal Ministry of Health also reaffirmed its commitment to providing effective, efficient and accessible health services in collaboration with various stakeholders.

This is part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians amid global health threats.

What you need to know

The XEC variant of COVID-19 was first detected in Australia.

• It has since spread to around 29 countries around the world, sparking global concerns about its potential impact on public health and healthcare systems.

• The XEC variant is notable for its increased virulence compared to other circulating COVID-19 strains.

• Its higher transmissibility and possible resistance to immunity are concerns, particularly in regions with lower vaccination rates.

• Early indications suggest that existing vaccines may still offer some protection against severe illness caused by this variant.

However, research is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of current vaccines in preventing infection and transmission of the XEC variant.