The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is actively monitoring the emergence of two new subvariants of the Omicron variant, known as EG.5 and BA.2.86, which have been reported in several countries, News About Nigeria understands.
While EG.5 is classified as a “variant of interest” with a low global risk, BA.2.86 is under monitoring due to its significant genetic differences from other circulating variants.
Doctor Ifedayo Adetifa, Director-General of NCDC, reassured the public that the organization, in collaboration with its partners, is conducting surveillance and enhanced testing measures to gather more information about these emerging subvariants.
He emphasized the importance of staying informed with verified information and continuing preventive measures to protect public health.
EG.5 has been identified in 51 countries and classified as a Variant of Interest by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, a risk assessment by WHO indicates that it poses a low global risk and has not been associated with changes in symptoms or clinical severity.
BA.2.86, on the other hand, has been reported in a few countries, including the United Kingdom, Israel, Denmark, South Africa, and the United States.
It is classified as a Variant under Monitoring (VuM) due to multiple genetic differences from its ancestor, BA.2, and other Omicron descendants.
While there is limited information about its characteristics, it is expected to be similar to other circulating Omicron variants.
Doctor Adetifa noted that despite low testing levels, the NCDC continues genomics surveillance and encourages testing locations to send positive samples for sequencing.
The organization is also implementing enhanced COVID-19 testing exercises in four states to gather more detailed information about circulating variants in Nigeria.
He urged the public to act responsibly, share verified information, and continue practicing preventive measures, including testing for febrile illness and respiratory symptoms, getting vaccinated, maintaining good hand hygiene, and wearing masks in high-risk situations.
