NCDC Diminish Fears Of Covid-19 Variant XEC In Nigeria

Published

5 months ago

December 9, 2024

thecloudngr

NCDC Diminish Fears Of Covid-19 Variant XEC In Nigeria—-XEC variant was observed for potential concerns, but it does not yet pose a significant risk

TCN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm following reports of the SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant, a sub-lineage of the Omicron strain, circulating in parts of the world, including Australia.

Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, explained on Sunday that the XEC variant is classified as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). While the variant has been detected in 43 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and recently in Africa (Botswana), it has yet to be identified in Nigeria.

He said the XEC variant was observed for potential concerns, but it does not yet pose a significant risk. He urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue adhering to basic preventive measures.

The JN.1 variant, a closely related Omicron sub-lineage, has been present in Nigeria since January 2024 and is also dominant globally. While the XEC variant demonstrates increased transmissibility, no evidence suggests it causes more severe illness.

Dr Jide reassured Nigerians that its COVID-19 Technical Working Group is closely monitoring the situation and analysing international and domestic data.

He advised Nigerians to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information.

He also encouraged citizens to maintain personal hygiene, practice respiratory etiquette, use masks, get vaccinated and stay vigilant.

The DG urged healthcare workers to prioritise testing for respiratory and febrile illnesses and submit positive COVID-19 samples for genomic sequencing to aid monitoring efforts.

He also urged state governments to bolster health infrastructure, including diagnostic capabilities and public awareness campaigns, to enhance overall preparedness.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Up Next

Like Mohbad, Lil Smart Publicly Accuses Naira Marley And Zinoleesky Of Alleged Assault [VIDEO]

Don't Miss

Trump To End Birthright Citizenship, Plans Mass Deportations

Click to comment

Health & Wellbeing

Ikoyi-Obalende Council Commence Construction Of 30-Bed PHC (PICTURES)

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2025

thecloudngr

Ikoyi-Obalende Council Commence Construction Of 30-Bed PHC—-The Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA has expressed commitment to building and equipping a 30-bed primary healthcare facility for residents of the area.

Mr Fuad Atanda-Lawal, the Chairman of the council said the council had been committing resources to touching lives and ensuring that no one in the community would be left behind.

Atanda-Lawal made this known at the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility to be known as Senator Oluremi Tinubu Primary Healthcare Centre, on Tuesday in Lagos.

“Today is groundbreaking ceremony for our primary healthcare centre, a 30-bed space to take care of residents of the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA.

“It is not just about building a facility, but also about a functional facility with qualified doctors and people who will continue to deliver quality medical care to our people.

“That is what we are doing here today, “ he said.

The chairman said that construction of the facility would begin immediately and be completed within the next four months.

He called on the community members to support the council and allow workers on site to do what they should do, in order to deliver the project within the stipulated time.

“Once we leave the site, workers will commence work, we have earmarked funds for this project,“ Atanda-Lawal said.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Health & Wellbeing

Japan’s Bird Flu Cases Surge In January

Published

3 months ago

January 22, 2025

thecloudngr

Japan’s Bird Flu Cases Surge In January—-Japan is experiencing a surge of avian influenza outbreak, with approximately five million chickens and other birds culled across five prefectures this month.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has confirmed the new outbreaks at two poultry farms in Morioka City this week.

This has prompted the establishment of an on-site response headquarters in Iwate Prefecture.

In total, 26 outbreak sites have been identified this month, with nearly five million birds impacted.

The ministry warned that the outbreaks could show no signs of slowing and the situation may worsen, potentially breaking past records.

The ministry also noted the impact on egg prices, reporting a 15per cent increase since the start of the year.

Some industry observers have raised concerns about potential supply shortages as the effects of avian influenza begin to take hold.

thecloudngr