By Straightnews
The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the health authorities to activate heightened alert systems in monitoring and consequently reporting any suspected cases, as well as commence immediate public sensitization on the XEC variant.
The House further directed Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance at all international borders and ports of entry by providing thermal machines, infrared thermometers for temperature screening, and then deploy personnel to conduct the screening and quarantine services on all inbound passengers into the country.
These resolutions followed a motion presented during plenary by the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem on the “Urgent need to intensify preventive measures against the Xec Covid-19 variant, to avoid another wave of the deadly coronavirus in Nigeria.”
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Idem noted that “although Nigeria made significant strides in combating the first strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of emerging threats of the disease, considering its profound impact on global public health and economies, including Nigeria, during the last outbreak.”
The Chairman, Public Procurement Committee, drew the attention of the House to the fact that the World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a global alert regarding a new COVID-19 variant, XEC, with similar symptoms to the former strain.
Idem stated that the XEC variant, a hybrid strain of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, has been detected in several countries worldwide, including those with high vaccination rates, adding that “initial experimental data suggests that this COVID variant exhibited increased infectiousness and unique changes that may contribute to relatively higher immune evasion.”
“The XEC COVID-19 variant was first detected in May, 2024, and has reportedly spread across 43 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Denmark, infecting more than 600 people.
The XEC variant is expected to continue spreading globally, with potential increase in cases during the winter season.
“The emergence of the XEC COVID-19 variant in Africa poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s public health. The recent detection of an index case in Botswana, involving a hospitalized European traveler, raises concerns about the potential spread of the variant across the continent.
‘‘Furthermore, the limited testing and sequencing capabilities in Africa make it challenging to determine the extent of the variant’s spread, leaving Nigeria vulnerable to a potential outbreak.”
Idem argued that due to the highly transmissible strain of the XEC variant, Nigeria must promptly assess the variant’s potential impact and implement effective counter-measures.
He pointed out that the festive season, with its high influx of travelers, adds urgency to the call for Nigeria to be proactive in protecting its citizens and preventing the spread of the XEC variant.
