Cross River confirms one new case of COVID-19 and activates emergency response

The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19, marking the first infection reported in the state in several years.

This was revealed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, during a press conference in Calabar, assuring residents that the situation is under control.

According to Ayuk, the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area, who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms.

He explained that the patient’s condition worsened at a local facility before he was transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for further treatment.

Samples were collected and processed in the hospital according to established health protocols, confirming the presence of COVID-19.

The commissioner noted that the patient is currently responding well to treatment.

Ayuk stressed that the state’s health system has been strengthened to effectively respond to infectious disease outbreaks, urging residents not to panic.

He acknowledged that isolated infections may occur, but stressed that authorities are prepared to manage and contain any spread.

“We have surveillance and response systems. There is no reason to be alarmed,” he said.

Providing further details, state epidemiologist Dr Inyang Ekpenyong said emergency response measures were activated immediately after the case was confirmed.

He revealed that health officials are currently conducting contact tracing to identify and monitor people who may have interacted with the patient.

Ekpenyong noted that the last confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River was recorded in 2022.

He also pointed out that the patient’s symptoms appeared beyond the typical incubation period, suggesting the possibility of local transmission.

The epidemiologist added that rapid response teams have been deployed in Akamkpa to strengthen containment efforts.

He reiterated that while it may not be possible to completely eliminate the virus, the goal is to prevent widespread transmission and deaths.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Cross River, Dr. Yewande Olatunde, reminded the audience that COVID-19 remains a global health issue.

He urged residents to continue observing preventive measures to protect themselves and others.