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The Federal Government on Saturday said the COVID variant — XEC, has not been detected in Nigeria.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare gave the assurance in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Alaba Balogun, in Abuja.
Balogun urged Nigerians to ignore the contents of a letter, circulating on social media, with Ref.No.DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated Dec. 5, implying that the variant was in Nigeria, as it was cautionary.
“You may recall that a newly detected COVID variant, XEC, was reported in Australia and has spread to 29 countries globally, showing more virulence over other circulating strains with concern over its possible impact on service delivery in our federal tertiary hospitals,” he said.
“However, the good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria.
“In light of the above, the public is advised not to panic but to continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene, including regular washing of hands.”
According to him, the ministry, has intensified surveillance, through her agencies, Including at all entry points to Nigeria.
The XEC variant, a sub-variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain, was first reported in May and has been detected in 43 countries across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.
