The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed a fresh COVID-19 case in Cross River State, involving a 53-year-old Chinese national. The agency stated on Tuesday that it is working closely with state authorities to manage the development.
NCDC officials noted they are aware of the situation and intend to release a formal statement shortly to address the matter in detail. The agency’s confirmation follows an earlier disclosure by the Cross River State government, which has now activated its public health emergency response mechanisms to contain any potential spread.
Patient in stable condition at isolation centre
Henry Ayuk, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, confirmed in Calabar that the Chinese expatriate arrived in Nigeria approximately one month ago. The individual is an employee of a company based in the Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The patient initially presented with mild symptoms and was subsequently admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where diagnostic samples confirmed the infection. Mr Ayuk stated that the patient is currently receiving care at the state’s designated isolation and treatment centre and is responding well to treatment.
Emergency Operations Centre activated in Akamkpa
Government officials explained that the public announcement was intentionally delayed until all diagnostic protocols were completed to prevent the spread of misinformation. Mr Ayuk urged residents to remain calm, asserting that the state is safe and that authorities remain vigilant in disease surveillance.
Inyang Ekpenyong, the State Epidemiologist, confirmed this as the first officially recorded COVID-19 case in Cross River since 2022. She attributed the low visibility of recent cases to widespread vaccination efforts and the prevalence of mild or unreported infections.
Rapid response teams begin contact tracing
A single confirmed case is classified as an outbreak under current health protocols, necessitating the immediate activation of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). Ms Ekpenyong confirmed that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa.
Contact tracing and the line-listing of exposed individuals are currently ongoing. Health officials are monitoring all identified contacts daily throughout the virus’s incubation period, which ranges from two to 14 days.
