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NCDC Diminish Fears Of Covid-19 Variant XEC In Nigeria

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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.

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EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics And Research Centre Secures ReAccreditation To ISO 15189:2022

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EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics And Research Centre Secures ReAccreditation To ISO 15189:2022

 

EL-Lab, a leading Medical diagnostic centre in Lagos earns renewed Accreditation from the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS), affirming its continued technical competence in medical laboratory testing.

 

A medical diagnostic centre with branches across Lagos, EL-Lab is the First Indigenous medical laboratory in Nigeria to attain the ISO 15189 status in Nigeria ten years ago. Till date, Nigeria may have less than 50 medical laboratories in both public and private categories to meet this standard.

 

EL-LAB has maintained this accreditation status for ten (10) years and currently holds this qualification from two (2) accreditation bodies in Nigeria, namely Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS)

 

This achievement of reaccreditation and transition to ISO 15189:2022 for Medical testing, following a rigorous reassessment by Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) confirms that EL-Lab continues to meet the requirements of ISO 15189:2022, the internationally recognised standard governing quality and competence in medical laboratories. It sets out requirements covering everything from sample handling and testing procedures to staff competence and quality management, giving patients, clinicians, and partner institutions confidence in the accuracy and reliability of results.

 

For a medical diagnostic laboratory, reaccreditation is no small feat. It requires laboratories to demonstrate, through an independent and thorough assessment, that its systems, processes, and personnel consistently deliver results in line with international best practice. NiNAS, as Nigeria’s national accreditation body, conducts these assessments to ensure that accredited laboratories maintain the standards necessary for both local and global recognition.

 

By retaining this accreditation, EL Lab reinforces its position as a trusted provider of medical testing services within Lagos and the broader Nigerian healthcare system.

 

Speaking on this, the Managing Director of EL-Lab, Dr Elochukwu Adibo mni said; “This achievement reflects the laboratory’s commitment to quality assurance, staff training, and process improvement, factors that lead to more reliable outcomes for patients and referring clinicians”.

 

For more information about EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics, visit their website:  https://el-lab.org/

 

 

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Sri Lanka on Alert as Nipah Virus Cases Emerge in Eastern India

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Sri Lanka on Alert as Nipah Virus Cases Emerge in Eastern India—-Sri Lanka has stepped up monitoring measures following reports of a Nipah virus cluster in India’s eastern state of West Bengal.

Health authorities across parts of Asia have also heightened vigilance over the emerging situation, the Daily Mirror reported.

Health officials said Sri Lanka is tracking developments at the regional level and remains in contact with international health monitoring systems.

While no cases have been reported locally, authorities have indicated that preparedness measures are in place should the situation evolve.

The alert follows confirmation by Indian authorities of at least five Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, including cases among healthcare workers.

The development has prompted several countries in the region to strengthen preventive measures, particularly at international airports.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted between animals and humans and, in some instances, through human-to-human contact.

It is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organisation due to its epidemic potential and the severity of illness it can cause. Past outbreaks of the Nipah virus have been associated with high fatality rates, ranging from 40 per cent to 75 per cent. (Xinhua/NAN)

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