Reps urges action against new COVID-19 variant, XEC

The House of Representatives has raised an alarm over the emerging XEC variant of COVID-19, urging the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement urgent measures to prevent its spread.

The resolution came after a motion, sponsored by Hon. Unyime Idem of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, was debated and adopted in the plenary session on Tuesday.

Idem, who introduced the motion of urgent public importance, underscored the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health and economies, including Nigeria.

While acknowledging the country’s impactful strides in tackling earlier strains of the virus, he warned that emerging variants like XEC require heightened vigilance.

“The House is aware that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a global alert regarding the XEC variant, a hybrid of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain, which has shown signs of increased infectiousness and immune evasion,” Idem stated during the session.

The XEC variant, which was first detected in May 2024, has now spread across 43 countries, infecting more than 600 people.

 As of September 2024, the WHO classified it as a variant under monitoring.

Notably, the variant has been found in high-risk areas like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Denmark, with growing concerns over its impact as winter approaches.

Concerns are particularly high for Africa, where the limited testing and sequencing capabilities hinder accurate tracking.

The detection of XEC in Botswana, involving a hospitalized European traveler, has heightened fears of its potential spread across the continent.

In Nigeria, the festive season, with an expected influx of travelers, could further exacerbate the situation.

To combat the threat, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to enhance surveillance at international borders and ports of entry.

Also, lawmakers called for a nationwide sensitization campaign to inform the public about the XEC variant, emphasizing the importance of early detection and reporting.

Idem concluded, “As we enter the holiday season, it is crucial that we act swiftly to prevent a potential outbreak that could further strain our healthcare system.”