The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has confirmed that there is no evidence of the newly detected COVID-19 variant XEC within Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Mr Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, the ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm and to continue practising standard hygiene measures.
The COVID-19 variant XEC, known for its heightened virulence compared to other strains and recently reported in Australia, has now spread to 29 countries, raising concerns about its potential impact on global healthcare systems.
However, the ministry emphasised that rigorous surveillance at the country’s entry points and health facilities has revealed no signs of the variant within Nigeria.
To mitigate risks, the federal government has enhanced its Federal Tertiary Hospitals by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.
These facilities are part of proactive measures aimed at bolstering the country’s preparedness for any potential outbreaks, the statement added.
The ministry also clarified that reports circulating on social media, including a letter referencing Ref. No. DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated December 5, 2024, which suggested the detection of XEC in Nigeria, are false. It urged Nigerians to disregard such misinformation and to rely on verified updates from official sources.
Furthermore, the ministry encouraged Nigerians to maintain universal precautions, such as regular handwashing and good personal hygiene, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The ministry reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding the health of all citizens while ensuring the continued delivery of uninterrupted healthcare services.
