Researchers in Nigeria have found two new variants of COVID-19 similar to that discovered in the UK, but not altogether the same.
This comes as the most populous African country recorded 1041 new infections on Thursday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC has revealed.
Reports have it that South Africa and UK are experiencing troublous times as they are contending with spike in infections as well as having new variants dominant in samples collected.
Speaking during the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Director General, NCDC Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu confirmed the discovery of two variants of the infection in the country.
He said :“Following reports of #COVID19 virus mutation, we worked with @acegid on retrospective analysis of data from virus sequencing in Nigeria
“We found 2 samples that are similar to the UK variant, but not the same. We’re now scaling up on sequencing & further analysis
“We appeal to workers in labs across states to continue #COVID19 testing, so that most samples are not sent to NCDC’s Lab”, he stated.
Ihekweazu however urged healthcare workers not to renege in their efforts in sustaining response to curb the spread of the disease.
“Despite the very tough year, we appeal to health workers across the country to sustain the response. We remain committed to supporting states” he pleaded.
According to the health agency, the 1041 infections were recorded from 23 states which are: Lagos-316, FCT-210, Kaduna-83, Plateau-70, Gombe-56,Oyo-56, Katsina-47, Nasarawa-35, Kano-33, Ogun-21, Rivers-17, Niger-14, Imo-14, Delta-12,
Kwara-12, Edo-12, Benue-9, Anambra-8,Taraba-4
Ekiti-4, Ebonyi-6, Bayelsa-1, Sokoto-1.
It further revealed the total infection tally as 81963, with 69651 dischargedand 1242 deaths.
NCDC stated that it has discharged today 128 community recoveries in Lagos State managed in line with guidelines.
Some genuinely superb info , Gladiola I detected this.
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent info I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.