April 21, (THEWILL) — The Cross River State Government has confirmed its first COVID-19 case since 2022, prompting the immediate activation of emergency public health measures to prevent a potential outbreak.
The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed the development on Tuesday in Calabar, stating that authorities have moved swiftly to contain the situation.
The confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working in Akamkpa Local Government Area, who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago.
According to Ayuk, the patient initially presented mild symptoms before being admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where laboratory tests confirmed COVID-19 infection.
He said the patient is currently receiving treatment at the state’s isolation centre and is responding well.
Health authorities acknowledged that even a single confirmed case qualifies as an outbreak under public health protocols.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, confirmed that the case marks a re-emergence of the virus in the state after nearly two years without officially recorded infections.
“With one confirmed case, we activated the Emergency Operations Centre immediately,” she said, adding that contact tracing and monitoring of exposed persons are already underway.
Rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa LGA, while identified contacts are being monitored throughout the virus’ incubation period.
Ekpenyong noted that COVID-19 symptoms—such as fever, cough, and sore throat—often resemble malaria, which may contribute to underreporting of cases.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jonah Offor, said the state is working closely with the World Health Organisation and other partners to strengthen containment efforts.
Also speaking, WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Olatunde Rebecca, warned against misinformation and stressed the need for continued vigilance.
She reiterated that COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, urging residents to maintain preventive measures including hand hygiene and mask use where necessary.
Authorities also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the specific variant involved.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, said the state’s improved outbreak response capacity has enabled quicker detection and containment compared to previous years.
Despite official assurances, health authorities urged residents to remain alert, report symptoms promptly, and comply with public health guidelines as surveillance efforts intensify.
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