The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has urged Nigerians to remain cautious following the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, XEC, detected in 29 countries globally.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the ministry noted that the XEC variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, sparking concerns about its potential impact on public health. However, the ministry clarified that there is currently no evidence of the XEC variant in Nigeria.
The ministry advised Nigerians to adhere to universal precautions, such as regular handwashing and reassured the public that surveillance at entry points into the country had been heightened. It also highlighted that nationwide, federal tertiary hospitals have been upgraded with molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators to handle potential cases.
Dismissing a letter circulating on social media about the resurgence of COVID-19 in the country, the ministry described the claims as misinformation and encouraged Nigerians to go about their daily activities while remaining vigilant and following public health guidelines.
Earlier reports by Arise TV revealed that the XEC variant, identified in Australia and several European countries, has not been detected in Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Kachollum Daju, explained that a recent advisory letter sent to hospital administrators was purely precautionary.
The letter, dated 5 December, called on health authorities to activate alert systems in hospitals and maintain a high index of suspicion for patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the XEC variant has demonstrated increased transmissibility and features several mutations in its spike protein, potentially affecting the virus’s ability to infect cells and evade immune defences.
While health authorities globally are enhancing surveillance and implementing travel restrictions to curb the variant’s spread, there is currently limited data on the severity of illness it may cause. WHO and national health bodies continue to stress the importance of vaccination as a critical tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19, including emerging variants like XEC.
Nigerians are encouraged to observe public health protocols to safeguard themselves and their communities.
