A medical expert and Consultant at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Dr. Alero Ann Roberts, has stated that Nigerians should be worried about the news of the resurgence of Covid disease with a new XEC Variant in the world scene.
While speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Dr. Roberts said concerns regarding the Covid XEC variant should not be treated with levity. She explained that the XEC variant should cause serious public concern particularly due to its double mutation, which could lead to increased severity.
“What makes this one interesting is that it is a double mutation, it is a combination of two variants and the danger is that that double mutation means there is a possibility of double severity, double seriousness of the disease,” she said.
Dr. Roberts however confirmed that the Nigerian authorities’ claim of the XEC variant not yet being detected in the country should be believed, asserting, “Yes, we should actually.”
However, she highlighted the importance of preparedness, especially with the holiday season approaching, bringing an influx of travelers from countries already grappling with the variant.
She said contrary to popular opinion that Covid has disappeared from the country, the disease has never truly disappeared despite the relative mildness of pandemic’s impact in Nigeria.
“Covid never went away, that is just the truth,” she remarked. “The problem is that because we did not suffer it as violently as the more high income countries did, people just assume that a, it’s a non issue, b, it has gone, nobody has it, and c, we have more serious problems to worry about but Covid never went away.”
When asked about the country’s preparedness for the variant, Dr. Roberts noted that the focus is on public awareness and prevention.
“Better prepared in terms of exactly what we are doing now, sharing information, making everybody aware,” she stated, emphasising the importance of personal hygiene and precautionary measures.
“We must develop a maintenance culture. Every time we go home, as soon as you walk into your house, wash your hands (with soap and running water),” she advised, underscoring the need for a culture of hygiene and maintenance.
It should noted that the world is currently battling with the resurgence of Covid, with 29 countries affected by the new strain.
