Amid the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants of the virus continue to emerge, each presenting unique challenges. One such variant that is gaining attention is the recently identified XEC, raising concerns about its potential impact on global public health.
The world remains on high alert as we face this troubling reality. Fatshimetrie News Agency highlights that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The consequences of the disease can range from mild infection to severe respiratory complications and even death.
First emerging in Wuhan, China in December 2019, COVID-19 has since spawned various strains, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron, and now XEC. The latter was first identified in Germany in June 2024, and has since spread to 27 countries around the world.
Countries including Germany, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, China, Norway, Poland and the Netherlands have confirmed at least 600 cases of this new strain in the last four months alone.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that XEC is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Like other variants, XEC raises concerns due to its potentially increased transmission and its ability to partially evade immune defenses.
This means that individuals previously infected with other strains or who have received vaccination could be vulnerable to reinfection. However, vaccines remain the best effective weapon against severe forms of the disease.
Although symptoms of XEC are similar to other variants, such as fatigue, headache, sore throat, and fever, agencies such as the UK Health Security Agency have noted that this strain is the result of a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants.
This surveillance data shows an increase in the admission rate for patients testing positive for all strains, rising to 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week leading up to October 6, 2024.
Experts agree that XEC is more transmissible due to its many mutations. While the severity of symptoms can vary among individuals, older people and those with underlying medical conditions are particularly at risk of severe complications.
In Nigeria, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and informed about this new strain, which could change the course of the fight against the virus.
Although XEC is not officially reported in Nigeria, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under the leadership of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, is closely monitoring the situation and urging health professionals to exercise caution. It is essential to take preventive measures to avoid the possible entry of the variant into Nigeria.
In this context, vaccines remain the most effective tool to protect against severe forms of the disease. As the vaccination campaign continues in Nigeria, it is crucial that citizens fully participate in this effort.
Public health expert Dr. Adesola Adebayo emphasizes the continued importance of adhering to public health guidelines: “The emergence of the XEC strain reminds us that the pandemic is far from over. It is essential that Nigerians continue to adhere to safety guidelines and take personal responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
He stressed that vaccination, adherence to safety protocols and public health measures remain critical to protect individuals and communities.
With vaccination centres accessible across the country, Nigerians are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. In these uncertain times, it is crucial that everyone contributes to keeping our society safe from the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
The XEC variant serves as a scathing reminder that the battle against COVID-19 is an ongoing one, requiring constant vigilance and collective commitment to protect global public health.