"Do Not Panic Over Rumours of New COVID Variant XEC," FG Tells Nigerians, Says Virus Not Detected in Nigeria
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Following the news of the detection of a new variant of COVID-19 virus in some countries, and a a rumour claiming it has been detected in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has advised Nigerians to discard the baseless rumours, maintaining that the newly identified COVID-19 variant, XEC, has not been detected in Nigeria.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the ministry assured Nigerians that there is no evidence to support such reports.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Alaba Balogun, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, sighted by OTN News, the government urged the public to remain calm and adhere to standard hygiene practices.
OTN News recalls that the COVID-19 variant XEC, noted for its heightened virulence compared to other strains, has been reported in 29 countries, including Australia, raising global concerns about its potential to strain healthcare systems.
However, the ministry stated categorically that: “Rigorous surveillance at the country’s entry points and health facilities has shown no signs of the variant within the country.”
The government emphasized its proactive measures to strengthen the nation’s preparedness for potential outbreaks. These include the establishment of the molecular laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators in Federal Tertiary Hospitals across the country.
“These facilities represent our commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure to respond effectively to any health emergencies,” the statement added.
Addressing the rumors circulating on social media, particularly a letter with Ref. No. DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated December 5, 2024, which falsely claimed the detection of the XEC variant in Nigeria, the ministry described the reports as baseless and urged the public to disregard such misinformation.
“We call on Nigerians to rely solely on verified updates from official channels and not to panic over unfounded claims,” the ministry stated.
The Federal Health Ministry reiterated its commitment to public health, the ministry encouraged Nigerians to adopt universal precautions such as regular handwashing and maintaining good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
It concluded with a reassurance of the government’s dedication to safeguarding the health of its citizens while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services.
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