The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Cross River State Government have confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19 in the state, triggering emergency response measures while assuring residents there is no cause for panic.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the NCDC said the patient has been isolated and is receiving treatment in line with national guidelines.
“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care,” the agency stated.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed that the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
According to him, the patient initially presented mild symptoms and was later admitted at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where laboratory tests confirmed the infection. He added that the patient is currently receiving care at the state’s designated isolation centre and is responding well.
Ayuk explained that authorities delayed public disclosure until diagnostic protocols were completed to prevent misinformation, reiterating that the situation remains under control.
“The state is safe. There is no cause for alarm, but we must all play our part in preventing the spread,” he said.
The NCDC noted that a coordinated response involving the state Ministry of Health and partners was immediately activated following confirmation of the case. Measures include contact tracing, enhanced surveillance, and infection prevention protocols.
“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission,” the agency added.
State Epidemiologist Inyang Ekpenyong described the development as an outbreak by definition, noting that even a single confirmed case necessitates emergency action.
“With even a single confirmed case, it qualifies as an outbreak, and that is why we immediately activated the Emergency Operations Centre,” she said.
She added that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, with contact tracing and monitoring ongoing within the virus’s incubation period.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Jonah Offor, commended the collaboration between the state and partners, including the World Health Organization.
WHO State Coordinator Olatunde Rebecca emphasised the need for sustained vigilance and warned against misinformation, noting that preventive measures such as hand hygiene, face masks, and physical distancing remain essential.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Ekpo Bassey, said the state’s improved outbreak response capacity has strengthened early detection and containment efforts.
The NCDC also reaffirmed that Nigeria’s disease surveillance systems remain active and effective, noting that the detection of the case reflects ongoing monitoring of respiratory infections.
While COVID-19 cases have significantly declined since the peak of the pandemic, health experts warn that sporadic infections remain possible due to global travel and continued virus circulation, underscoring the importance of vigilance and rapid response.
Elijah Adeyemi
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