No evidence Of new COVID variant XEC In Nigeria – FG

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has confirmed that there is no evidence of the newly detected COVID-19 variant XEC in Nigeria
This clarification comes as the variant, first reported in Australia, has spread to 29 countries, raising concerns over its heightened virulence. Earlier reports suggested the Federal Government had issued warnings about the variant.

In a press release issued on Saturday but dated Friday, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, addressed widespread misinformation regarding a potential resurgence of COVID-19 in the country.

“The good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria,” the statement affirmed. It urged the public to dismiss rumours stemming from a widely circulated letter with reference number DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL1/46.

The ministry advised citizens to remain calm, adhere to universal health precautions, and rely on verified updates from official sources.

“In light of the above, the general public is advised not to panic but to continue observing personal hygiene, including regular handwashing,” Balogun stated.

To bolster preparedness, the Federal Government has enhanced its healthcare infrastructure at Federal Tertiary Hospitals and border entry points. Measures include establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.

“The Federal Government has proactively upgraded our Federal Tertiary Hospitals to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery to all Nigerians in the event of a disease outbreak,” the release added.

The ministry also announced intensified surveillance at Nigeria’s borders to detect and address any potential cases of the XEC variant, reassuring the public that comprehensive measures are in place to safeguard health.

“This announcement is a call for vigilance, not alarm, as Nigeria remains free of the new variant,” the statement concluded. Citizens were encouraged to continue their daily routines without disruption while prioritising hygiene and preventive practices.

In November, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) advised AU Member States to enhance surveillance of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory syndromes to monitor SARS-CoV-2 cases and emerging variants.

According to Africa CDC, the XEC variant, a subvariant of the Omicron strain, was first reported in May 2024 and is being closely monitored globally. The variant has been detected in 43 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America.

“In Africa, Botswana reported one case of XEC from a hospitalised European traveller. However, limited testing and sequencing make it difficult to determine the spread of the variant on the continent,” the Africa CDC noted.