NCDC to Nigerians: No cause for alarm on new COVID-19 Variant

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has moved to calm the nerves of Nigerians following the detection of the COVID-19 XEC variant in 43 countries, including Australia and Botswana.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC assured that the National COVID-19 Technical Working Group was on high alert and closely monitoring the situation.

The agency urged all health facilities, both public and private, to increase testing for COVID-19 on suspected patients.

“All positive samples are encouraged to be sent to the NCDC laboratory, and other public health accredited laboratories for sequencing,” the statement read.

The NCDC stressed that the COVID-19 XEC variant, a subvariant of the JN.1, had been designated as a Variant Under Monitoring, indicating that it was being watched for potential concerns but did not yet pose a significant risk.

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According to the agency, the JN.1 variant, classified as a Variant of Interest, had been reported in 132 countries, including Nigeria, but was not yet deemed to pose a serious risk.

The NCDC reiterated that there was no need for unnecessary anxiety or panic, stressing that COVID-19 remained a significant risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, individuals with underlying chronic illnesses, and those with suppressed immune systems.

In line with its emergency preparedness and response strategy, the NCDC said it had continuously upgraded and updated its strategies and capabilities for a quick and effective response.

“We have continuously upgraded and updating our strategies and capabilities (surveillance, detection, stockpiling, training inclusive) for a quick and effective response,” the agency stated.

“Along this line, a dynamic risk assessment/readiness assessment is being organised to guide us in developing a plan of action,” it concluded.

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