Nigeria refutes detection of COVID variant XEC
Nigeria’s ministry of health and social welfare has officially stated that there is currently no evidence of the newly detected COVID-19 variant known as XEC in the country.
The announcement comes amid rising concerns about the variant, which was first reported in Australia and has since spread to approximately 29 other countries. The ministry’s spokesperson, Alaba Balogun, emphasized that despite the heightened virulence associated with this variant, it has not been detected within Nigeria’s borders.
In a statement on Saturday signed by Balogun, the ministry advised members of the public not to panic but continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene including regular washing of hands.
The statement was issued in response to a letter that went viral on Friday allegedly issued by the ministry, warning hospitals about the virus.
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Balogun said, “Since the COVID variant XEC has not been detected in Nigeria, it has therefore become imperative to correct the misinformation and fear of the general public concerning the resurgence of COVID-19 in Nigeria and ignore the contents of a letter Ref.No.DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated 5th December, 2024 that has been circulating in social media and go about their normal business.”
Variant XEC is a new strain of the coronavirus that has raised alarms due to its increased virulence compared to other circulating strains. The emergence of such variants often leads to public health concerns regarding their potential impact on healthcare systems and service delivery. In this case, there are worries about how this variant could affect federal tertiary hospitals in Nigeria if it were to arrive.
Public assurance
In response to fears stemming from misinformation circulating on social media—particularly regarding a supposed resurgence of COVID-19—the Nigerian government has taken proactive measures.
Alaba Balogun urged citizens not to panic but instead adhere to universal health precautions such as regular hand washing and maintaining personal hygiene. The ministry also clarified that a letter dated December 5, 2024, which warned hospitals about the virus, was based on incorrect information.
To prepare for any potential risks associated with new variants, the Nigerian government has ramped up its surveillance efforts at all entry points into the country. This includes establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators at federal tertiary hospitals. These steps are part of a broader strategy to ensure that the healthcare system remains robust and capable of handling any future challenges posed by COVID-19 or its variants.
