The federal Ministry of Health and SocialWelfare has said there is no evidence of the newly detected COVID-19 variant XEC in Nigeria.
The ministry in a statement signed by its deputy director, information and public relations, Mr. Alaba Balogun, in Abuja yesterday, urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue to adhere to standard hygiene practices.
The COVID-19 variant XEC noted for its increased virulence compared to other strains and recently reported in Australia, has spread to 29 countries. This has raised fears about its potential impact on healthcare systems worldwide.
The ministry emphasised that rigorous surveillance at the country’s entry points and health facilities had shown no sign of the variant within the country.
To mitigate risks, the federal government has upgraded federal tertiary hospitals by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centers and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.
These facilities are part of proactive measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness for any potential outbreaks, the statement added.
The ministry clarified that reports circulating on social media, including a letter with Ref. No. DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated 5th December 2024, suggesting the detection of XEC in the country were false, urging Nigerians to ignore the misinformation and instead rely on verified updates from official channels.
It encouraged Nigerians to maintain universal precautions, such as regular handwashing and good personal hygiene to prevent spread of infectious diseases.
The ministry reassured the public of its commitment to safeguard the health of all citizens while ensuring the delivery of uninterrupted healthcare services.
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