Health authorities in Cross River State have confirmed a new case of COVID-19, triggering renewed public health vigilance while officials stress there is no cause for panic.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed in Calabar that the patient is a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate employed by Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area. According to him, the individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms.
Ayuk explained that the patient initially received care at a state-owned health facility before being transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where laboratory tests confirmed the infection in line with established protocols.
Providing an update on the patient’s condition, the commissioner noted that he is responding well to treatment. “We are pleased to report that the patient is stable and improving under care,” he said.
He reassured residents that the situation is under control, emphasizing the state’s readiness to promptly detect and manage any infectious disease outbreak. “Our surveillance systems are fully active, and we are prepared to respond swiftly to any health challenge, There is no reason for panic, as all necessary containment measures are in place,” Ayuk stated.
Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, confirmed that an emergency response has been activated. “We have commenced contact tracing and are identifying all possible contacts linked to the case, Our rapid response team is working round the clock to ensure the virus does not spread further,” he said.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization’s coordinator in the state, Dr. Yewande Olatunde, called on residents to remain cautious and adhere to preventive measures. “COVID-19 has not disappeared, and we must not become complacent, Regular hand hygiene, use of face masks where necessary, and early reporting of symptoms remain critical,” she warned.
Health officials continue to encourage strict adherence to public health guidelines as part of efforts to limit transmission and safeguard communities.