July 09, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has detected a confirmed case with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2.
The NCDC, in a statement, said the variant was detected in a traveller to Nigeria, following the routine travel test required of all international travellers and genomic sequencing at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.
The NCDC in a statement signed by its Head of Communications, Dr Yahya Disu, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognizes the Delta variant as a strain of concern, given its increased transmissibility. The variant, which has been detected in more than 90 countries, is expected to spread to others.
It has also been linked to a surge in cases in countries where it is the dominant strain in circulation.
There are ongoing studies on its impact on existing vaccines and therapeutics.
The statement further said that 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”, he said.
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 Federal Government, through the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC), has initiated several measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus spread.
The introduction of travel restrictions from countries where there is a surge in cases associated with the variants of concern is one of such measures.
The national travel protocol which includes compulsory seven-day self-isolation and repeat tests on the seventh day after arrival, have also been put in place to reduce the risk of spread of the virus.
NCDC Director-General Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, advised 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.
”Although we have seen a low number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria in the last eight weeks, it is incredibly important that we do not forget to be careful. The surge in cases in countries across the world and Africa is an important reminder of the risk we face.
“Please protect yourselves and the people you love by adhering to the known public health and social measures, getting vaccinated if you are eligible and getting tested if you have symptoms.”
The recommended control measures to limit the spread of the Delta variant continue to be tested, following the existing public health guidance and abiding by the current travel and public restrictions.
Currently, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the NCDC data stood at 168,110; and out of which 164,408 have been discharged and 2,122 deaths recorded.
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