The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that the newly reported SARS-CoV-2 XEC subvariant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, has not been detected in the country.
In a statement signed by Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and issued to address public concerns, the NCDC highlighted its continuous monitoring of global and local developments regarding COVID-19 variants. The XEC variant, categorized as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), has been reported in 43 countries, including Botswana in Africa. Although it exhibits higher transmissibility, there is no evidence of increased severity at this time.
Current Situation in Nigeria
The JN.1 variant, a Variant of Interest (VOI), has been present in Nigeria since January 2024, but its descendant, the XEC variant, has not been identified. The NCDC emphasized that its National COVID-19 Technical Working Group (TWG) is conducting dynamic risk and readiness assessments to ensure a swift public health response if needed.
Call to Action
The NCDC is urging health facilities and state governments to strengthen COVID-19 testing, surveillance, and public awareness:
Health Facilities: Increase testing among suspected cases and submit positive samples for genomic sequencing.
State Governments: Enhance public health systems, improve diagnostic and treatment capacities, and promote community education on prevention and early medical attention.
Preventive Measures for Nigerians
To protect themselves and their communities, Nigerians are advised to:
- Maintain good personal hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Practice respiratory etiquette by covering their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Wear masks in crowded places or if exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
- Stay vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell, and seek medical advice promptly.
- Ensure vaccination and booster doses are up to date.
Healthcare workers are also reminded to adhere to infection prevention and control measures, including the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Commitment to Public Health
The NCDC remains dedicated to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and providing evidence-based updates on the evolving COVID-19 situation. Nigerians are urged to remain calm and adhere to preventive measures while staying informed through official communication channels.
