By John Ikani
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has raised awareness about a newly identified COVID-19 variant, XEC, which has now spread to 29 countries.
According to the ministry, there is no evidence of the variant in Nigeria at present.
In a statement signed by Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the ministry described the XEC variant as one with “a growth advantage over other circulating strains,” sparking global public health concerns.
The ministry urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant by observing basic hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing. It also noted that border checks have been strengthened to monitor arrivals into the country.
To bolster preparedness, federal tertiary hospitals have been upgraded with new molecular labs, isolation wards, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.
Meanwhile, the ministry dismissed social media rumors about a COVID-19 resurgence in Nigeria, labeling the information as false and misleading.
Citizens were encouraged to continue with their daily routines while adhering to public health precautions.
Context
Earlier, reports from Channels TV highlighted the government’s clarification regarding the XEC variant. While detected in parts of Europe and Australia, the variant has not been identified in Nigeria.
Permanent Secretary Kachollum Daju addressed concerns about a leaked letter sent to chief medical directors, clarifying that the communication was a precautionary step rather than a response to any confirmed cases.
The correspondence, dated December 5, stressed the importance of increased vigilance during the festive season due to the influx of international travelers. Hospitals were urged to heighten alert systems and closely monitor patients with symptoms resembling COVID-19.
What We Know About XEC
The XEC variant, a recent mutation of SARS-CoV-2, has emerged in several countries, including Australia and parts of Europe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the variant is highly transmissible, making it more likely to spread than earlier strains.
Scientists have noted that the XEC strain contains mutations in the spike protein, potentially impacting its ability to infect human cells and bypass immune defenses. However, its severity remains unclear, as increased transmission does not always equate to more severe illness.
Health authorities worldwide are scaling up monitoring efforts, with some countries introducing travel restrictions to limit its spread.
The WHO and health agencies continue to stress the importance of vaccination as a critical tool for controlling the spread of COVID-19 and its emerging variants.
