The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory urging state governments across the country to enhance public health systems in response to the emergence of a new strain of the coronavirus, the XEC sub-variant.
Although the XEC strain, a descendant of the JN.1 variant, has not been detected in Nigeria, the NCDC emphasized the need for preparedness as the global situation evolves.
The NCDC confirmed that while the JN.1 variant, classified as a Variant of Interest (VOI), has been reported in Nigeria since January 2024, the XEC sub-variant, identified in several countries including Australia, remains absent from local cases.
However, with the evolving nature of the virus, the agency advised state governments to ensure that their healthcare systems remain responsive and resilient to future challenges.
In its advisory, the NCDC urged state authorities to allocate resources to strengthen laboratories, improve surveillance, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and ensure that treatment centers are fully prepared for any potential outbreak.
Additionally, the agency called for public health campaigns to educate communities on preventive measures such as vaccination, mask-wearing, and proper hygiene.
Although no evidence has linked the XEC sub-variant to increased disease severity, the NCDC pointed out that its higher transmissibility, compared to other variants, underscores the need for continued vigilance.
The XEC sub-variant has been identified in 43 countries worldwide, including in Africa, with Botswana being the latest to report its presence.
The NCDC also reassured the public that there was no cause for panic, stressing that COVID-19 remains a significant risk to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, cancer patients, and those with weakened immune systems.
The agency advised Nigerians to continue practicing basic safety measures such as washing hands regularly, wearing masks in high-risk areas, and maintaining physical distancing when necessary.
The NCDC emphasized that healthcare workers should test patients with respiratory or febrile symptoms and send positive samples for genomic sequencing.
It also urged citizens to share only verified information to avoid unnecessary anxiety and misinformation.
The advisory concluded with the NCDC reaffirming its commitment to closely monitoring both local and international surveillance data to guide public health responses and ensure the country’s preparedness for any emerging health threats.
