The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has informed the public that a new variant of the COVID-19 virus, ‘XEC,’ has recently been detected in several countries.
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of the XEC variant in Nigeria. Although Nigeria remains free of this new variant, the NBMA is committed to taking all necessary precautions to safeguard public health and prevent its potential spread into the country.
To ensure that Nigeria is protected from emerging biosecurity threats, the NBMA is collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders to monitor and assess the situation. Proactive measures, including increased surveillance at borders, airports, and other entry points, are being implemented to promptly detect any potential cases. Additionally, we will continue to strengthen our national vaccination and public health response strategies.
In light of this development, the NBMA has issued a public advisory to ensure ongoing safety:
1. Stay Informed: Rely on trusted health authorities for accurate information regarding COVID-19 and any emerging variants. Misinformation can lead to confusion and jeopardise public health efforts.
2. Adhere to Preventive Measures: Continue practising preventive measures that have helped curb the spread of COVID-19. This includes wearing masks, practising good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distance where possible, and ensuring proper ventilation in indoor spaces.
3. Get Vaccinated: We strongly encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated and receive booster shots. Vaccination remains one of the most effective means of preventing severe illness and complications from COVID-19.
4. Monitor Symptoms: If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, seek medical attention immediately and follow the guidance provided by local health authorities.
5. Cooperate with Health Authorities: In the event of any suspected or confirmed cases of the XEC variant, we urge the public to fully cooperate with health authorities by reporting cases and adhering to quarantine and isolation guidelines.
The NBMA said it prioritises biosecurity and biosafety and is committed to protecting Nigeria from any potential threats to public health. We will continue to provide updates as necessary and ensure that all measures are in place to respond swiftly to any developments.
A statement by the agency’s head of information and public relations, Gloria Ogbaki called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant, adhere to public health guidelines, and trust in the collective efforts of our national health infrastructure to safeguard the well-being of all citizens.
For further information, citizens were advised to visit the official website of the National Biosafety Management Agency (www.nbma.gov.ng) or follow its social media channels.
