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.
In a statement, by NCDC’S head of Communications, Dr. Yahya Disu, he said the variant was detected in a traveler to Nigeria, following the routine travel test required of all international travelers and genomic sequencing at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.
Disu further said the Delta variant is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant of concern, given its increased transmissibility. The variant has been detected in over 90 countries and is expected to spread to more countries.
Given the high transmissibility of the Delta variant and following its detection in Nigeria, the 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.
Disu also noted that, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and offers protection against the disease.