Dr. Alero Ann Roberts, Honorary Consultant at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has emphasised that Covid has never truly disappeared, despite the relative mildness of the pandemic’s impact on Nigeria compared to high-income nations.
“Covid never went away, that is just the truth,” she remarked. “The problem is that because we did not suffer it as violently as the more high income countries did, people just assume that a, it’s a non issue, b, it has gone, nobody has it, and c, we have more serious problems to worry about but Covid never went away.”
In a recent interview on ARISE News on Monday, Dr. Roberts addressed concerns regarding the Covid XEC variant. She explained that the XEC variant is particularly concerning due to its double mutation, which could lead to increased severity.
“What makes this one interesting is that it is a double mutation, it is a combination of two variants and the danger is that that double mutation means there is a possibility of double severity, double seriousness of the disease,” she said.
As the world battles a resurgence of Covid, with 29 countries affected by the new strain, Dr. Roberts reassured Nigerians, stating that the country’s health sector is on high alert.
Dr. Roberts confirmed that the Nigerian authorities’ claim of the XEC variant not yet being detected in the country should be believed, asserting, “Yes, we should actually.” However, she highlighted the importance of preparedness, especially with the holiday season approaching, bringing an influx of travelers from countries already grappling with the variant.
“We are on alert and that’s why that letter went out, putting us all on high alert that this is happening,” she said.
When asked about the country’s preparedness for the variant, Dr. Roberts noted that the focus is on public awareness and prevention.
“Better prepared in terms of exactly what we are doing now, sharing information, making everybody aware,” she stated, emphasising the importance of personal hygiene and precautionary measures.
“We must develop a maintenance culture…Every time we go home, as soon as you walk into your house, wash your hands (with soap and running water),” she advised, underscoring the need for a culture of hygiene and maintenance.
Regarding the possibility of a mask mandate or the need for booster vaccinations, Dr. Roberts expressed caution. While she acknowledged the importance of being alert, she was not in favour of a mask mandate, explaining that mask usage often becomes ineffective when people fail to wear them properly.
“What happens is that people wear a mask and then put it under their chin, it’s of no use,” she said. She also noted that the rapid evolution of the virus means vaccines are updated frequently, which raises concerns about the viability of stockpiling vaccines.
“The cost of stocking a vaccine with a very limited shelf life… would money not be better spent elsewhere?” she questioned.
Dr. Roberts stressed that vaccination is not the only measure to combat the variant and that reducing transmissibility is crucial. She urged anyone showing symptoms of Covid-XEC to seek medical attention immediately.
“If you have worrisome symptoms; you have cough, you have nasal congestion, any of the symptoms relating to what we call the upper respiratory tract…runny nose, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing… Once there is difficulty in breathing please rush to the nearest hospital,” she said.
Addressing border control, Dr. Roberts reminded the public that travellers must still fill out surveillance forms upon re-entry into the country.
“A lot of people don’t fill the form – but that’s the thing about human behaviour, you can put all the protocols in place, people choose not to obey,” she cautioned.
As the health system faces ongoing challenges, Dr. Roberts also recommended that Nigerians secure health insurance to prepare for potential medical costs.
“Whether we like it or not, health care right now is extremely expensive…Get your health insurance in place, make sure you have health insurance and everybody around you is covered with health insurance… Please let us be very cautious,” she advised.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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