The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),says it has detected a confirmed case with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2.
The agency added that the variant was detected in a traveler to Nigeria, on account the routine travel test required of all international travelers and genomic sequencing at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.
The Head of Communications ,
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control,
Dr Yahya Disu,who revealed this in a statement,said that Delta variant is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant of concern, given its increased transmissibility.
The statement said:”The variant has been detected in over 90 countries and is expected to spread to more countries. The variant has also been linked to a surge in cases in countries where it is the dominant strain in circulation. There are
ongoing studies to understand the impact of the variant on existing vaccines and
therapeutics. As part of Nigeria’s COVID-19 response, NCDC has been working with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), African Centre for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), and other laboratories within the national network, to carry out genomic
sequencing. This is to enable the detection of variants of concern, and initiate response
activities.
“All data on variants from Nigeria have been published on GISAID, a global mechanism for sharing sequencing data. Given the global risk of spread of the Delta
variant, positive samples from international travelers to Nigeria are sequenced regularly.The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) has initiated several measures to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. This includes the
introduction of travel restrictions from countries where there is a surge in cases associated with widespread prevalence of variants of concern. The national travel
protocol which includes compulsory seven-day self-isolation and repeat test on the seventh day after arrival, are in place to reduce the risk of spread of the virus.
“It is very important that this is strictly adhered to, to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria. Given the high transmissibility of the Delta variant and following its detection in Nigeria, NCDC urges all Nigerians to ensure strict adherence to public health and social measures in place. Proven public health and social measures such as physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and proper use of face masks, prevent infections and save lives. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and offers protection against the disease.
“Additionally, states are urged to ensure sample collection and testing for COVID-19 is accessible to the public. Public settings such as schools with accommodation facilities, workplaces and camps should utilise the approved Antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for rapid testing of their population.”
