The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 and activated emergency public health measures to prevent any potential spread.
The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this in Calabar, assuring residents that the situation is under control and does not require panic. He explained that the case involves a 53 year old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago and works in a company located in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
According to him, the patient initially showed mild symptoms and was later admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital where tests confirmed the infection. The patient is currently receiving treatment at the state’s isolation centre and is responding well.
Ayuk noted that authorities delayed the public announcement until all diagnostic procedures were completed to avoid misinformation. He emphasised that the state remains vigilant, highlighting that global travel continues to increase the risk of infectious disease transmission.
The State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, described the case as the first officially recorded in the state since 2022. She explained that symptoms such as fever cough and sore throat often resemble malaria, which may contribute to underreporting.
She added that the confirmation of even a single case qualifies as an outbreak, prompting the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre. Rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa while contact tracing and monitoring of exposed individuals are ongoing.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Jonah Offor, commended collaboration with the World Health Organization in managing the situation. WHO State Coordinator Olatunde Rebecca stressed the importance of continued surveillance, testing, and public awareness.
Health officials reiterated that preventive measures such as hand hygiene face masks and physical distancing remain essential. Residents were urged to stay calm follow guidelines and report symptoms promptly to health facilities.
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