The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 and immediately activated its public health emergency response systems to prevent a potential outbreak, health officials said on Tuesday.
The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed the development in Calabar, assuring residents that the situation remains under control and does not warrant panic.
According to Ayuk, the confirmed 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.
The patient initially presented mild symptoms but was later admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where laboratory tests confirmed the infection.
He noted that the patient is currently receiving treatment at a designated isolation facility and is responding positively.
“We deliberately delayed the public announcement until all diagnostic protocols were completed to avoid misinformation,” Ayuk said, adding that the state remains vigilant in disease surveillance and response.
Health authorities emphasised that increased global mobility continues to heighten the risk of infectious disease transmission, stressing that coronavirus infections are not unique to Nigeria but part of a broader global health challenge.
Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said this marks the first officially recorded case in the state since 2022.
She attributed the low visibility of recent cases to widespread vaccination and the prevalence of mild or unreported infections.
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“With even a single confirmed case, it qualifies as an outbreak. That is why we immediately activated the Emergency Operations Centre,” she said.
Ekpenyong disclosed that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, while contact tracing efforts are ongoing. Identified contacts are being monitored daily within the virus’ incubation period of two to 14 days.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Jonah Offor, commended the coordinated response involving the state government and the World Health Organization.
WHO State Coordinator, Olatunde Rebecca, highlighted the importance of sustained surveillance, risk communication, and access to testing materials, warning that misinformation could worsen outbreak outcomes.
“Preventive measures such as hand hygiene, use of face masks, and physical distancing remain critical,” she said, adding that efforts are underway to determine the specific strain involved.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, said the state has significantly improved its outbreak response capacity, noting that early detection and swift intervention now play a key role in limiting the spread of infectious diseases.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, adhere strictly to preventive guidelines, and promptly report any symptoms to the nearest health facility.