The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed a COVID-19 case in Cross River State, triggering emergency response measures, including contact tracing, while authorities assure residents there is no cause for panic.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the NCDC said the confirmed case had been isolated and was receiving treatment in line with national guidelines.
“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care,” the agency stated.
The Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed that the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
“The confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago and works in a company at Akamkpa Local Government Area,” Mr Ayuk said.
He added that the patient initially showed mild symptoms and was later admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where the infection was confirmed.
Emergency response
Health authorities said the patient is currently receiving care at the state’s designated isolation centre and is responding well to treatment.
Mr Ayuk explained that the government delayed the announcement until diagnostic protocols were completed to prevent misinformation.
“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 coordinated response measures were immediately activated in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and development partners.
“Response measures, including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention and control, have been activated,” the agency said.
Contact tracing underway
Authorities confirmed that all identified contacts are being actively monitored.
“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission,” the NCDC added.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, described the situation as an outbreak by definition.
“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 had been deployed to Akamkpa LGA, with contact tracing ongoing within the virus’s incubation period of two to 14 days.
Public health measures
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Jonah Offor, commended collaboration with partners, including the World Health Organisation.
WHO State Coordinator, Olatunde Rebecca, emphasised the need for vigilance.
“COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Preventive measures such as hand hygiene, use of face masks, and physical distancing remain critical,” she said.
She added that efforts were ongoing to determine the strain involved in the case.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Ekpo Bassey, noted that improved response capacity enabled early detection and containment.
Surveillance assurance
The NCDC stressed that Nigeria’s surveillance systems remain active and effective.
“We continue to maintain routine surveillance for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. The detection of this case reflects that these systems remain functional and responsive,” the agency said.
The case is the first officially recorded COVID-19 incident in the state since 2022, with experts attributing reduced visibility to vaccination and mild or unreported infections.
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