To facilitate early detection of new strains and variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) is now conducting genomic sequencing of all positive samples from travellers arriving Nigeria. This development was highlighted in the center’s Weekly Epidemiological Report for Week 15.
From South Africa to Egypt, England and India, new strains of the virus are being identified with potential implications on virulence and vaccine effectiveness.
Last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced new variants place the African continent at risk of a third wave. WHO noted that the B.1.617 variant that was first found in India has been reported in at least one African country. The B1.351 strain, first found in South Africa, is spreading in 23 African countries and the B1.1.7 strain, first found in the United Kingdom, has been found in 20 countries.
With new variants circulating, low vaccination levels, population fatigue in adhering to preventive measures, and easing of restrictions, WHO said the conditions are present for a resurgence.
“The tragedy in India does not have to happen here in Africa, but we must all be on the highest possible alert. Governments must maintain strong surveillance and detection systems, reassess and bolster their treatment capacities, step up the supply of critical medicines, including medical oxygen and ensure there are enough beds for severely ill patients.” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
In the report, NCDC said it will intensify its genomic surveillance in addition to other control measures including deploying antigen-based rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) kits and sample collection materials to selected states, conducting WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) assessment across all health facilities, in addition to continued dissemination of key safety precaution messages in Ramadan which ends this week.