The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has confirmed that there is no evidence of the newly detected Covid-19 variant XEC in Nigeria, urging the general public to remain calm and adhere to universal hygiene precautions.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, Alaba Balogun and made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the Ministry emphasised its mandate to strengthen the national health system for effective and efficient healthcare delivery, especially in response to emerging infectious diseases.
The Ministry clarified misinformation circulating on social media, including a letter with Ref. No. DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated 5th December 2024, falsely suggesting the resurgence of Covid-19 in Nigeria.
The Covid variant XEC, recently reported in Australia, has spread to 29 countries and is noted for its higher virulence compared to other circulating strains. However, the Ministry reassures Nigerians that no cases have been detected within the country.
To safeguard the nation’s health, the Federal Government has pro-actively upgraded Federal Tertiary Hospitals with the following: Isolation Centers for efficient containment of potential outbreaks. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) equipped with ventilators for critical care.
Additionally, surveillance efforts have been intensified across all entry points into Nigeria to monitor and respond promptly to any emerging health threats.
The Federal Ministry of Health advised Nigerians to observe personal hygiene, including regular hand-washing. It urged the public to disregard unverified information on social media and rely on official communication channels for updates. It said its ministry remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare service delivery and protecting the health of all Nigerians.
