Panic as man tests positive to COVID-19

The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 and activated its public health emergency response systems to prevent further spread.

The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this in Calabar, assuring residents that the situation is under control and does not call for panic.

According to him, the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago and works in a company in Akamkpa Local Government Area. The patient initially showed mild symptoms before being admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where tests confirmed the infection.

“The patient is currently receiving treatment at the state’s designated isolation centre and is responding well,” Ayuk said.

He explained that authorities delayed the public announcement until all diagnostic procedures were completed to avoid misinformation, adding that the state remains vigilant in disease surveillance.

Ayuk noted that global travel continues to expose populations to infectious diseases, stressing that the presence of COVID-19 is not unique to Nigeria.

“We are living in a highly mobile world where diseases can easily cross borders. What matters is our ability to detect and contain them quickly, and that is what we are doing,” he added.

Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said this is the first officially recorded COVID-19 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.

Ekpenyong noted that symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat often resemble malaria, which may lead to underreporting.

“With even one confirmed case, it is classified as an outbreak, which is why we immediately activated the Emergency Operations Centre,” she said.

She added that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, while contact tracing and monitoring of exposed individuals are ongoing within the virus’s two to 14-day incubation period.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Jonah Offor, commended the collaboration between the state government, the World Health Organization, and other partners in managing the situation.

The WHO State Coordinator, Olatunde Rebecca, emphasized the need for continued surveillance, public awareness, and access to testing materials, warning that misinformation can worsen outbreaks.

“COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Preventive measures such as handwashing, use of face masks, and physical distancing remain essential,” she said.

Rebecca added that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with national health authorities, to identify the specific strain involved.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, said the state has significantly improved its outbreak response capacity, with early detection and rapid intervention helping to prevent wider transmission.

Health officials urged residents to remain calm, follow preventive measures, and report any symptoms promptly to the nearest health facility.