New sub-variants of COVID-19 are not in Nigeria - NCDC

 NCDC said it will continue to monitor the situation globally, especially in countries where new variants have been confirmed.

The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is closely monitoring the emergence of new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Director General of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

These subvariants, named EG.5 and BA.2.86, have been reported in several countries.

While the EG.5 variant has been classified as a "variant of interest" with low global risk, the BA.2.86 variant is currently being monitored due to its substantial genetic differences from other circulating variants.

NAN reports that an update from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that at least two cases of the BA.2.86 sub-variant have been identified in the US.

That prompted the center to release a summary of the risk assessment on August 23, explaining what is known about it so far.

Adetifa said NCDC, along with its partners, is actively conducting surveillance and implementing improved testing measures to gather more information about these emerging variants.

"It is important that the public be informed of verified information and continue to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones," he said.

He noted that sub-variants, EG.5 and BA.2.86, have been reported in countries such as China, the US, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal and Spain.

“The EG.5 variant, which is a descendant of XBB.1.9.2, has been identified in 51 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified EG.5 as a Variant of Interest (VoI).

“However, a WHO risk assessment has determined that this new variant poses a low risk globally.

“It is important to note that EG.5 was not associated with any change in symptoms or clinical manifestations, nor did it lead to an increase in disease severity, hospitalizations, or mortality.

"Symptoms caused by EG.5 are similar to those seen in other variants of COVID-19, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat," he said.

According to him, on the other hand, the BA.2.86 variant, a descendant of BA.2, has been reported in several countries, including the UK, Israel, Denmark, South Africa and the US.

The Director-General said that WHO classified BA.2.86 as a monitored variant (VuM) due to its numerous genetic differences from its predecessor - BA.2 and other currently circulating XBB-derived SARS-CoV-2 variants.

“Because there are only a few reported cases of BA.2.86, there is insufficient information to conclusively assess its virulence, transmission and severity.

“However, it is expected to be similar to other Omicron offspring currently in circulation.

“It is worth noting that while a precursor to BA.2 was previously found in Nigeria, no BA.2.86 variant has been identified in the country,” he said.

He said the NCDC's COVID-19 Technical Working Group (COVID-19 TWG) is actively monitoring the epidemiology of COVID-19 at the local, regional, continental and global levels, including the emergence of new variants.

“Influenza surveillance sites continue to provide information on the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness.

"So far, no increase in the trend of COVID-19 has been observed in this group of patients," he said.

He said the NCDC is also conducting genomic surveillance, despite the low levels of testing, and is calling on testing sites in the states to send positive samples for sequencing.

“Additionally, NCDC and its partners are working to implement an enhanced testing exercise for COVID-19 in four states to gain more detailed information about the circulating variants in the country.

“The distribution of COVID-19 rapid diagnostic kits is also underway to improve two-way testing for COVID-19,” he said.

He urged the public to behave responsibly and share only verified information to avoid unnecessary panic.

“It is emphasized that COVID-19 is here to stay and primarily affects high-risk individuals such as the elderly and individuals with underlying chronic conditions.

"The actions needed to protect yourself and others remain the same, including testing for any febrile illness and respiratory symptoms, getting vaccinated against COVID-19, practicing good hand hygiene and wearing masks in high-risk situations," he said.

He said the NCDC will continue to monitor the situation globally, especially in countries where new variants have been confirmed.

He added that the center will provide Nigerians with scientific and evidence-based information on any changes in the epidemiology and genomics of SARS-CoV-2 that may pose a threat to public health.

Stay updated with the latest information on new sub-variants of COVID-19 that have not yet been reported in Nigeria. NCDC provides timely information to help you stay informed and take necessary action.

Heading 1: New subvariants of COVID-19 outside Nigeria: NCDC 2023 update

Heading 2: What you need to know about the latest subvariants of COVID-19

In a rapidly evolving environment, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) is committed to keeping you updated on the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2023, several new subvariants of COVID-19 have been identified worldwide. Although these subvariants have not yet been reported in Nigeria, staying informed is critical to maintaining public health.

Heading 2: Importance of monitoring subvariants of COVID-19

Understanding the subvariants of COVID-19 is critical for several reasons:

Transmissibility: Some subvariants may exhibit increased transmissibility, leading to higher infection rates.

Vaccine escape: Monitoring subvariants helps evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines against emerging strains and guides vaccination strategies.

Symptom changes: Subvariants can result in different clinical manifestations that affect diagnosis and treatment.

Heading 2: How NCDC monitors and responds

NCDC uses a strict surveillance system to track the emergence of new subvariants of COVID-19 around the world. Our approach includes:

Genomic sequencing: Working with research institutions to perform genomic sequencing of virus samples, identifying any genetic changes.

Global Partnerships: NCDC works closely with international health organizations to share and obtain timely information on new subvariants.

Risk Assessment: Our experts analyze the potential impact of new sub-variants on the public health of Nigeria and provide recommendations.

Heading 2: Your role in information and safety

Stay informed: Check the NCDC website and official social media channels regularly for the latest updates on sub-variants of COVID-19.

Follow instructions: Follow recommended precautions, including wearing masks, hand hygiene, and maintaining physical distance.

Immunizations: If eligible, get vaccinated according to NCDC guidelines. Vaccination remains a key tool in the prevention of serious diseases.

As the global situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, NCDC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians. By staying informed about emerging subvariants and taking precautions, we can collectively mitigate the spread of the virus. Remember, knowledge is strength in our fight against COVID-19.

In the ever-evolving environment of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) remains vigilant. Recent updates from NCDC shed light on emerging sub-variants of COVID-19 that have not yet been identified in Nigeria. This major discovery underscores the importance of continued surveillance and research to limit the spread of the virus.

Stay informed about new subvariants of COVID-19

NCDC's proactive approach to tracking and studying subvariants of COVID-19 is a testament to their commitment to public health. As new subvariants emerge around the world, NCDC is dedicated to understanding their potential impact and transmissibility. By staying informed, individuals, health professionals, and policy makers can make informed decisions to protect public health.

Implications for Nigeria

Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of subvariants of COVID-19 is paramount to Nigeria's pandemic response. NCDC research on these new subvariants will contribute to the development of effective containment strategies and guide vaccination efforts. With this knowledge, Nigeria can adapt its approach to directly address the emerging subvariants.

NCDC's ongoing research efforts

NCDC's continuous monitoring of sub-variants of COVID-19 demonstrates their unwavering commitment to stay one step ahead of the virus. Through rigorous research and collaboration with global health organizations, NCDC is at the forefront of identifying and studying new subvariants. Their dedication plays a key role in shaping Nigeria's pandemic management strategies.

Stay safe: Follow instructions and updates

As the situation evolves, it is essential for Nigerians to be updated with information from the NCDC. Adherence to recommended safety measures, including vaccinations, wearing masks and proper hand hygiene, remains essential to limiting the spread of the virus. By working together and following expert guidance, we can overcome the challenges posed by new subvariants of COVID-19.

NCDC's vigilance in detecting and studying new subvariants of COVID-19 underscores their commitment to public health and safety. Through their continued research efforts, Nigeria is better equipped to respond effectively to the evolving nature of the pandemic. By staying informed and following recommended guidelines, we can navigate these challenges together and protect our communities.

Stay informed about emerging subvariants of COVID-19 with NCDC

In the dynamic environment of the COVID-19 pandemic, new subvariants of the virus continue to appear. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) is actively monitoring these developments and providing valuable information to inform citizens. This article sheds light on the latest sub-variants that have not yet been detected in Nigeria and offers insights directly from the NCDC.

Heading 2: Understanding the meaning of new subvariants

Why stay informed:

Importance of tracking new subvariants of COVID-19

As the virus responsible for COVID-19 evolves, subvariants can potentially affect transmissibility, severity, and vaccine efficacy. Being informed about these developments is essential for implementing effective public health measures and adapting strategies accordingly.

Heading 2: Latest updates on new subvariants of COVID-19

NCDC Monitoring Efforts:

How NCDC detects and monitors new subvariants

NCDC is using advanced genomic sequencing to identify and track the emergence of new subvariants of COVID-19. This proactive approach helps health authorities anticipate potential problems and respond quickly.

Heading 3: New Subvariants on the Global Stage

Global Statistics:

What other countries are reporting

Several new subvariants of COVID-19 have been identified in different parts of the world. Although not yet identified in Nigeria, understanding the characteristics and prevalence of these subvariants provides valuable context for preparedness.

Circuit 3: NCDC's strategy in response

Preparedness and response:

How NCDC is ready to face new challenges

NCDC maintains a multifaceted strategy to respond to the potential introduction of new subvariants. This includes strengthening testing capabilities, improving contact tracing and working closely with international health organizations.

Heading 4: Your role in staying safe

Public Safety Tips:

Protect yourself amid evolving risks

While the situation is evolving, some practices remain effective in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Following guidelines such as wearing masks, good hand hygiene and vaccinations contribute to collective safety.

Heading 4: Monitoring and future updates

Stay informed:

NCDC's commitment to providing timely information

NCDC is committed to keeping citizens well informed about the evolving COVID-19 situation. Regular updates, insights and guidance will be provided as new information becomes available.

In the face of a changing pandemic environment, it is critical to be informed about emerging subvariants of COVID-19. By partnering with NCDC and following recommended safety precautions, we can navigate these challenges together and contribute to the health and well-being of our communities.