Health authorities in southern Nigeria have confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19 in Cross River State, marking a rare reappearance of the virus in the state after several years without a confirmed infection.
The case, announced by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working with a construction firm in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The individual reportedly arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and began showing symptoms weeks later, prompting medical attention.
According to officials, the patient’s condition worsened at an initial health facility, leading to his transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where samples were collected and all necessary protocols observed.
Laboratory results later confirmed the presence of COVID-19. Authorities say the patient is currently stable and responding to treatment.
Despite the development, the state government has urged residents not to panic. Health officials emphasized that systems have been strengthened to manage infectious disease outbreaks, noting that surveillance and response mechanisms are already active.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, disclosed that emergency response teams have been deployed, with contact tracing efforts underway to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed. She noted that the timeline of symptom onset well beyond the typical incubation period raises the possibility that the infection may have been contracted within Nigeria rather than abroad.
“We may not be able to stop the virus entirely, but we can prevent an outbreak through swift containment measures,” she said, adding that rapid response teams have been dispatched to the affected area.
The last confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River was recorded in 2022, making this development significant for public health monitoring. Officials reiterated the importance of vigilance, early reporting of symptoms, and adherence to preventive measures.
A representative of the World Health Organization in the state also reminded the public that the virus has not been eradicated globally and continues to pose a risk.
Authorities say they remain committed to containing the situation and preventing further spread, stressing that there is currently no indication of a wider outbreak.
