The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19, prompting the activation of emergency response measures to contain the virus.
The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed this during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that the index case involves a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
According to him, the patient arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19. His condition reportedly deteriorated while receiving treatment at a state facility, leading to his transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where samples were taken and the infection confirmed.
Ayuk assured residents that there is no cause for alarm, noting that the state’s health system has been strengthened to respond effectively to disease outbreaks.
“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said, adding that all necessary protocols were followed before confirming the case.
Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, revealed that the emergency operations centre has been activated, with contact tracing already underway.
She said rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa to contain any potential spread of the virus.
Ekpenyong noted that the last confirmed COVID-19 case in the state was recorded in 2022, adding that preliminary investigations suggest the patient may have contracted the virus within Nigeria.
“The incubation period is usually between two and 14 days. The patient arrived on March 17 and developed symptoms on April 10, which is beyond the incubation window,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation coordinator in the state, Yewande Olatunde, urged residents to remain vigilant, stressing that COVID-19 is still in circulation globally.
She advised the public to continue observing preventive measures, including hygiene practices and early reporting of symptoms, to curb the spread of the virus.
Health authorities say surveillance and response efforts have been intensified as part of measures to prevent further transmission.