The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has addressed public concerns regarding the newly identified COVID-19 XEC variant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, which has been reported in several countries, including Australia. While acknowledging the ongoing evolution of the virus, the NCDC emphasized that the XEC variant is currently classified as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), meaning it is being closely observed but does not yet pose a significant risk or meet the criteria for designation as a Variant of Interest (VOI). The NCDC clarified that while the related JN.1 variant, also an Omicron descendant, has been present in Nigeria since January 2024, the XEC variant itself has not yet been detected within the country.
The NCDC provided further context by explaining that numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants are under global surveillance. The JN.1 variant, classified as a VOI, is widespread in over 130 countries, including Nigeria. A VOI designation indicates that the variant is not considered a serious threat. The XEC variant, a sublineage of JN.1, has been detected in 43 countries across various continents, but its presence in Nigeria has not been confirmed. While the XEC variant has demonstrated increased transmissibility compared to other variants, there is no evidence suggesting it causes more severe illness.
To proactively address potential risks, the NCDC outlined its ongoing efforts to monitor and analyze surveillance data both internationally and domestically. This data informs public health response activities and strategies. The organization underscored its commitment to emergency preparedness and response, highlighting continuous upgrades to its surveillance, detection, stockpiling, and training capabilities. Furthermore, a dynamic risk and readiness assessment is being conducted to develop a comprehensive action plan.
The NCDC emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health safety measures. These measures include maintaining good personal hygiene, practicing respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), using hand sanitizer or washing hands with soap and water, wearing masks, physical distancing, getting tested when experiencing symptoms, and getting vaccinated. These precautions remain crucial for protecting individuals, particularly those at higher risk, such as the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those with compromised immune systems.
The NCDC issued specific recommendations to healthcare facilities, urging increased testing for COVID-19 in patients presenting with respiratory or febrile symptoms. All positive samples are encouraged to be sent to the NCDC laboratory or other accredited public health laboratories for sequencing to monitor the prevalence of different variants. Healthcare workers are reminded to adhere to infection prevention and control measures, including hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, to minimize the spread of the virus within healthcare settings.
Finally, the NCDC called upon state governments and policymakers to reinforce public health campaigns, educating communities about preventive measures and the importance of prompt medical attention when symptoms arise. While acknowledging the presence of new variants and the ongoing evolution of the virus, the NCDC urged the public to avoid undue anxiety and panic, emphasizing the effectiveness of preventive measures and the ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
