The Cross River State Government has confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19 in the state, urging residents to remain calm as containment measures have been activated.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the disclosure was made on Tuesday in Calabar by the Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, during a press briefing.
Ayuk revealed that the index case involved a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
According to him, the individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
The commissioner explained that the patient’s condition deteriorated at a government medical facility, prompting his transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further management.
“At the UCTH, his samples were taken and all protocols followed; it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.
“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” Ayuk stated.
The commissioner emphasised that the state’s health system had been strengthened to effectively manage outbreaks, assuring residents that there was no reason for panic.
“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.
“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm,” he said.
He added that authorities took time to verify the case before making it public to ensure all protocols were strictly followed.
Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, disclosed that the state’s emergency response mechanism had been activated.
She said contact tracing and line listing of individuals who may have had contact with the patient were already underway.
“We have also activated the emergency response centre and deployed rapid response teams to Akamkpa, where the victim works,” she said.
Ekpenyong noted that while the last confirmed case in the state was recorded in 2022, there were concerns the patient may have contracted the virus within Nigeria.
“The incubation period for this virus is usually between two and 14 days, but the Chinese flew into Nigeria from China on March 17 and started developing the symptoms on April 10.
“This is well beyond the 14-day incubation period,” she explained.
‘We Can Contain The Outbreak’
The epidemiologist stressed that while the disease may not be completely preventable, its spread can be controlled through coordinated response measures.
“There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak.
“It will be wrong not to contain or manage it by ensuring that people do not die,” she added.
On her part, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation, Yewande Olatunde, warned that COVID-19 remains a public health concern.
“We must explore all preventive measures to protect ourselves,” she said.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the development has prompted renewed vigilance among health authorities in the state, as officials intensify surveillance and containment efforts to prevent further spread.
