The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has allayed fears over the new COVID-19 Variant, XEC, urging Nigerians not to create unnecessary panic.
The NCDC said though there has been a reported rise in COVID-19 cases linked to the XEC variant, in 43 countries across different continents, Europe, Asia, North America and recently in Botswana, Africa, there has not been reported case in Nigeria since January 2024 of the XEC variant which are descendants of the Omicron lineage JN.1.
The NCDC noted that the SARS-CoV-2 XEC subvariant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, has been detected in several countries, including Australia, raising fears over its potential spread.
However, the NCDC has clarified that the XEC variant is currently classified as a “Variant Under Monitoring” (VUM) and does not pose a significant risk to public health.
The XEC variant is a subvariant of the JN.1 strain, which has been classified as a Variant of Interest (VOI) and is reported to be present in 132 countries, including Nigeria
Despite reports of increased transmissibility, the NCDC stressed that the XEC subvariant has not demonstrated increased severity or resistance to existing treatments.
The JN.1 subvariant, now the dominant strain globally, continues to be the fastest-growing variant among the currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
In a public health advisory signed by the Director General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, the agency said: “As of now, Nigeria has not detected the XEC variant, though the JN.1 subvariant has been reported in the country since January 2024.”
Idris said the NCDC continues to closely monitor the situation through the National COVID-19 Technical Working Group (TWG).
He urged healthcare facilities to ramp up COVID-19 testing, particularly for suspected cases.
“We urge all health facilities, both public and private, to increase the testing for COVID-19 on suspected patients.
“All positive samples are encouraged to be sent to the NCDC laboratory and other public health accredited laboratories for sequencing.”
In line with its preparedness efforts, the NCDC is enhancing its surveillance, detection, and diagnostic capabilities to ensure a quick response in case of a new outbreak.
The agency has also emphasised the importance of genomic sequencing of all positive COVID-19 samples to track any new variants and adapt public health strategies accordingly.
To prevent unnecessary panic, the NCDC further advised Nigerians to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information.
“We urge citizens, including media practitioners, to share only verified information responsibly. There is no need for unnecessary anxiety or panic. COVID-19 remains a significant risk, particularly for the elderly, individuals with underlying chronic illnesses, those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, and individuals with suppressed immune systems.”
The agency reassured the public that COVID-19 remains a significant health threat, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, individuals with underlying chronic conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.
To protect themselves and their communities, the NCDC reiterated the importance of maintaining basic health precautions, including regular hand washing, wearing masks in crowded spaces, practising physical distancing, and staying vigilant for symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
It also encouraged Nigerians to get vaccinated and to seek medical advice if they exhibit any symptoms or have been exposed to a COVID-19-positive individual.
Healthcare workers have been reminded to adhere to infection control protocols, including using personal protective equipment (PPE) and practising good hand hygiene. State governments are also being urged to strengthen their public health infrastructures and promote awareness campaigns on preventive measures.
In the face of the evolving pandemic, he said the NCDC remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring that Nigerians are equipped with the information needed to stay safe.
“As the country’s National Public Health Institute and in line with our mandate, the NCDC will continue to monitor the global situation and provide Nigerians with scientifically sound and evidence-based information on any changes in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology and genomics that may threaten public health.”
