The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has released a statement to debunk false informations circulating the Internet about the newly detected COVID variant XEC in Nigeria, stating, that there is no evidence of the Virus.
According to the Ministry, its responsibility includes, the coordination, monitoring and evaluation of emerging infectious diseases and response activities in Federal Tertiary Hospitals across the country and other agencies in the health sector.
This, is to ensure an uninterrupted health care services delivery to all Nigerians in the event of a disease outbreak.
In a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, it was revealed, that a newly detected COVID variant XEC, was reported in Australia and has spread to about 29 Countries globally and has shown a more virulence over other circulating strains with concern over its possible impact on the service delivery of the Federal Tertiary Hospitals.
“However, the good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria.”
In light of this, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is advising the general public to not panic but continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene including regular washing of hands.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through her agencies has stepped up surveillance including at all entry points to Nigeria.
“The Federal Government has proactively upgraded our Federal Tertiary Hospitals by establishing Molecular Laboratories, Isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.
“Since the COVID variant XEC has not been detected in Nigeria, it has therefore become imperative to correct the misinformation and fear of the general public concerning the resurgence of COVID-19 in Nigeria and ignore the contents of a letter Ref.No.DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated 5th December, 2024 that has been circulating in social media and go about their normal business.
