Reps ask Health Ministry to guard against XEC COVID-19 Variant

By Christiana Ekpa

The Nigerian’s Federal House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take preventive measures against the potential outbreak of XEC, a newly identified variant of the coronavirus.
The resolution was reached during Tuesday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Unyime Idem, representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking on the motion, the lawmaker noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global public health and economies, including Nigeria.
“Noting that Nigeria made significant strides in combating the first strain of COVID-19 pandemic, Idem said “There here is a need to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of emerging threats.”
According to him, “The House notes with concern the recent global alert issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding a new COVID-19 variant, identified as XEC. This variant exhibits symptoms similar to those of previous strains.
The XEC variant, a hybrid strain of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineage, has been detected in multiple countries worldwide, including nations with high vaccination rates.”
He said, “The House notes that, as of September 24, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the XEC COVID-19 variant as a variant under monitoring. Preliminary experimental data suggests that this variant demonstrates increased transmissibility and distinct mutations, which may enhance its ability to evade immune responses.
“The House is deeply concerned that the XEC variant, first identified in May 2024, has since spread to 43 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Denmark, with over 600 confirmed cases reported globally.”