The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has officially stated that there is no evidence of the newly discovered COVID Variant XEC in Nigeria. This announcement follows concerns raised by the variant spreading to 29 countries after its initial detection in Australia.
In a recent press release, the ministry addressed circulating misinformation about a potential resurgence of COVID-19 in the country. The statement confirmed that there is no presence of the COVID variant XEC in Nigeria and urged the public to disregard rumors fueled by online sharing of a specific reference letter.
The ministry emphasized the importance of remaining calm, following universal health precautions, and seeking information from reliable official sources. It advised the public to continue practicing personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing, and not to panic.
To ensure preparedness, the Federal Government has enhanced its readiness at Federal Tertiary Hospitals and border entry points. Measures include the establishment of molecular laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units with ventilators to handle any potential outbreaks effectively.
The ministry highlighted the proactive steps taken to intensify surveillance at Nigeria’s borders and entry points to swiftly detect and manage any potential cases of the variant. It reassured Nigerians that comprehensive measures are in place to protect public health.
The announcement stressed the need for vigilance without causing alarm, emphasizing that Nigeria remains free of the new variant. Citizens were encouraged to carry on with their daily activities while prioritizing hygiene and preventive health practices.
In November, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that AU Member States continue enhancing surveillance for influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory syndromes to monitor SARS-CoV-2 cases and emerging variants. The XEC variant, identified as a subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain, was first reported in May 2024 and is under monitoring in various regions.
Africa CDC reported XEC cases in 43 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, with Botswana confirming one case from a hospitalized European traveler. Limited testing and sequencing have made it challenging to determine the spread of the XEC variant in Africa.