The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has dispelled concerns about the presence of the newly detected COVID-19 XEC variant in Nigeria. This comes amidst global alarm over the variant’s spread across 29 countries.
In a statement released on Saturday, the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, reassured Nigerians that there is no evidence of the XEC variant in the country, emphasizing that reports to the contrary are baseless. The clarification addresses widespread misinformation stemming from a letter circulating online, which caused unnecessary panic.
“The good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria,” the ministry declared, urging citizens to rely only on verified updates from official sources.
Preparedness Measures in Place
The Federal Government has intensified its health surveillance systems and upgraded facilities across the country to prepare for any potential outbreaks. Measures include:
- Enhancing molecular laboratory capacity.
- Establishing additional isolation centres.
- Equipping intensive care units with ventilators at Federal Tertiary Hospitals.
These steps underscore the government’s commitment to uninterrupted healthcare delivery, ensuring public health safety against potential threats.
Focus on Hygiene and Precautions
The ministry reiterated the importance of personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing, as a universal precaution. Citizens were encouraged to carry on with their daily activities without fear, while maintaining preventive health practices.
XEC Variant and Global Context
The XEC variant, a sublineage of the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2, was first identified in May 2024 and is currently being monitored by global health authorities. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the variant has been reported in 43 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, with Botswana being the only African country to confirm a single case in a hospitalized European traveler.
Despite the limited testing and sequencing capacities across Africa, Nigeria has heightened its border and entry point surveillance to prevent any incursion of the variant.
Call for Vigilance, Not Alarm
In its statement, the ministry called for calm and vigilance, stressing that the situation in Nigeria remains stable and under control. The announcement aligns with the Africa CDC’s broader advice to AU Member States to bolster surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
For now, Nigeria remains free of the XEC variant, and the government continues to prioritize the health and safety of its citizens.