The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19, marking the first reported infection in the state in recent years.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Calabar. He said the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese national working in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
According to Ayuk, the patient arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms before seeking medical attention.
“We are, however, happy to report that he is responding to treatment and is doing well,” Ayuk said.
He explained that the patient was initially managed at a state health facility before being transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further evaluation. Samples taken at the hospital later confirmed the infection after due protocols were followed.
Ayuk emphasized that the state had strengthened its health systems to effectively manage such cases and urged residents not to panic.
“For every disease or outbreak identified in the state, there should be no alarm. We will continue to ensure proper surveillance and containment,” he stated.
Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, said the government had activated its emergency response mechanisms to curb the spread of the virus.
She noted that contact tracing efforts were ongoing to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the patient.
“Rapid response teams have been deployed, and line listing of all possible contacts is ongoing as part of containment measures,” Ekpenyong said.
The epidemiologist added that although the incubation period for COVID-19 typically ranges between two and 14 days, investigations suggest the patient may have contracted the virus within Nigeria.
“There is no way we can completely stop the disease, but we can prevent an outbreak by ensuring effective management and response,” she said.
The World Health Organization coordinator in the state, Dr. Yewande Olatunde, also reiterated the need for continued vigilance, noting that the virus remains in circulation globally.
“We must continue to observe preventive measures to protect ourselves and others,” she advised.
Health authorities in the state have reassured residents that efforts are underway to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
