A fresh COVID-19 case has been reported in Cross River State, raising concerns among residents despite assurances from health officials.
The COVID-19 case in Cross River was confirmed during a press briefing held in Calabar on Tuesday. Health officials revealed that the patient is a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge.
According to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, the individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17. However, he reportedly became ill weeks after his arrival.
Ayuk explained that the patient’s condition worsened after initial treatment at a local facility. As a result, he was transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further care.
At the hospital, samples were collected following standard procedures. These samples were later confirmed to be positive for COVID-19.
Despite the diagnosis, the government has urged residents to remain calm. Officials stressed that the situation is under control and being carefully managed.
“Although there have been isolated and silent infections from time to time, we are fully prepared to manage any outbreak. There is no cause for alarm,” Ayuk said.
Moreover, he noted that the state deliberately delayed announcing the case. This, he explained, was done to ensure proper verification and avoid unnecessary panic.
Meanwhile, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, provided further insight into the situation. She revealed that emergency response measures have already been activated.
Rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient is based. In addition, contact tracing efforts have begun to identify anyone who may have been exposed.
Ekpenyong also highlighted an important detail about the infection timeline. According to her, the symptoms appeared well after the usual incubation period.
This suggests that the patient may have contracted the virus within Nigeria rather than abroad.
“We may not be able to completely stop the disease, but we can prevent an outbreak. Our priority is to contain it and ensure it does not lead to fatalities,” she said.
Furthermore, health authorities have begun compiling a list of individuals who had close contact with the patient.
The World Health Organisation has also weighed in on the situation. The WHO Coordinator in the state, Dr. Yewande Olatunde, reminded residents that COVID-19 is still a global concern.
She advised the public to remain alert and continue following basic safety measures. These include regular handwashing, proper hygiene, and avoiding unnecessary exposure.
Meanwhile, the state government has reiterated its readiness to handle any health emergency. Officials say investments in healthcare infrastructure have improved response capacity.
In addition, residents have been encouraged to avoid spreading unverified information. Health officials stressed the importance of relying on accurate updates from credible sources.
