As the fight against the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic continues, new variants of the virus present unique challenges. One such variant is the recently identified XEC strain, which has sparked global concern due to its potential impact on public health.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, capable of causing mild to severe respiratory illness, including death. The first case was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
Over the course of the pandemic, several prominent variants have emerged, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron, and now XEC. Detected initially in Germany in June 2024, the XEC strain has spread to 27 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, with over 600 confirmed cases recorded in the past four months. Affected countries include Germany, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, China, Norway, Poland, and the Netherlands.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the XEC strain as a subvariant of the Omicron lineage of SARS-CoV-2. Concerns have been raised about its increased transmissibility and partial immune evasion, meaning even individuals previously infected or vaccinated may be at risk of reinfection. However, vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe illness.
The WHO has confirmed that, like other variants, the XEC strain spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that the XEC strain is a recombination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants. Surveillance data from the UKHSA indicates a rise in hospital admission rates for all COVID-19 strains, reaching 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week leading to October 6, 2024.
Experts believe the XEC strain is more transmissible due to its numerous mutations. Symptoms of this strain are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, including fatigue, headaches, sore throat, and high temperatures. Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, noted, “Our current surveillance shows that around 13 per cent of sequenced COVID-19 cases are of the XEC lineage. However, current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant. We are monitoring it closely, and vaccination still offers the best protection.”
While the symptoms of the XEC strain are generally similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, they can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. Some individuals, especially those with underlying health conditions, may experience more severe complications.
The elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the more severe effects of the virus.
In Nigeria, experts are urging the public to remain vigilant and informed about this new strain, which could alter the course of the ongoing fight against the virus.
Although the XEC strain has not been officially reported in Nigeria, the Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has been monitoring the situation closely and is advising healthcare providers to be cautious.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of precautionary measures to prevent the potential spread of the variant into Nigeria.
Experts stressed that vaccines remain the most effective tool in protecting against severe disease. With Nigeria’s vaccination drive ongoing, citizens were strongly encouraged to participate.
Dr Adesola Adebayo, a public health expert, highlighted the continued importance of following public health guidelines: “The emergence of the XEC strain is a reminder that the pandemic is far from over. It’s crucial that Nigerians continue to adhere to safety guidelines and take personal responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
Adebayo further stated, “Vaccination, adherence to safety protocols, and public health measures remain essential in protecting ourselves and our communities.”
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that COVID-19 vaccines are available to Nigerians at public and designated private health facilities, as well as at COVID-19 Diagnostic Centres, motor parks, shopping malls, markets, event centres, schools, and other locations across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The emergence of the XEC strain serves as a strong reminder that the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed, get vaccinated, and continue adhering to public health guidelines to safeguard themselves and their communities from this evolving threat.