BY Mustapha Lawal
The recent spread of misinformation about the detection of a new COVID-19 variant, referred to as XEC, in Nigeria has once again highlighted the dangers of misinterpreting public health advisories. This confusion originated from a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health, which warned of the global spread of the XEC variant in 29 countries and urged Nigerians to maintain vigilance.
Unfortunately, the advisory was misconstrued by many, with social media amplifying the false claim that the variant had already been detected within the country.
The Federal Government has since categorically debunked the misinformation. Officials from the Ministry of Health clarified that the circular was intended as a proactive measure to inform Nigerians about developments elsewhere, not as an announcement of domestic cases.
Dr. Eme Etuk, the Director of Public Health, emphasized that there is no evidence of the XEC variant in Nigeria and called on the public to remain calm while adhering to preventive measures. The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 also reiterated this stance, affirming that the advisory was precautionary and not indicative of any current threat within the country.
Globally, the XEC variant has raised concerns due to its potential increased transmissibility and partial resistance to existing vaccines. While countries grapple with its implications, health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring its spread.
However, Nigeria has not been listed among the nations affected by this new strain. Despite this fact, the misunderstanding of the advisory and its subsequent amplification on social media caused unnecessary panic.
Misinformation thrives when communication lacks clarity, and this case exemplifies the risks of ambiguous messaging. Screenshots of the advisory, paired with misleading captions, spread rapidly across platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, sowing confusion and fear. Many shared the information without verification, further distorting the narrative. Such unchecked dissemination of false claims not only creates public anxiety but also erodes trust in health institutions and government agencies tasked with managing crises.
The ripple effects of this misinformation were palpable. Reports of heightened public fear underscored the dangers of misinformation during health emergencies. Additionally, the erosion of trust in official channels makes it harder for credible advisors to gain public attention and compliance.
While the Federal Ministry of Health acted swiftly to debunk the claims, the incident underscores the need for government agencies to issue clear, unambiguous public health messages to prevent such misunderstandings in the future.
Misinformation about health issues can have severe consequences, from unnecessary panic to jeopardized public trust and even economic disruption. As the COVID-19 situation evolves globally, Nigerians must rely on credible sources like the Federal Ministry of Health, the NCDC, and the WHO for accurate information. The XEC variant has not been detected in Nigeria, and the government reiterates its commitment to keeping citizens informed about any developments.
