Cross River State Government has identified and placed ten individuals under isolation after they came into contact with a Chinese national confirmed to have reintroduced COVID-19 into Nigeria.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, disclosed that the contacts were traced through surveillance teams and have been placed under movement restrictions to curb further transmission.
She explained that their movements have been limited to their homes while health officials closely monitor their condition.
Surveillance teams have also visited the expatriate’s workplace in Akamkpa to assess possible exposure.
The patient, a 53-year-old Chinese national, is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where he is said to be responding well.
Dr. Ekpenyong reminded residents that COVID-19 has not been eradicated despite emerging six years ago, urging continued adherence to preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene, the use of face masks when necessary, and compliance with public health guidelines.
Confirming the case, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the patient arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms in Akamkpa.
He noted that the patient’s condition worsened at a state facility before being referred to UCTH for advanced care.
“At the facility, samples were taken in line with established protocols, and it was confirmed that the patient showed symptoms of COVID-19. We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” Ayuk stated.
He added that the state’s health system has been strengthened to respond effectively to outbreaks, with surveillance mechanisms fully operational.
While acknowledging the presence of occasional silent infections, the commissioner assured residents of the government’s readiness to manage any public health threat.
“For every disease or outbreak identified in the state, there is no cause for alarm. We will continue to ensure effective surveillance and containment,” he said.
Ayuk further warned that COVID-19 remains a global concern, noting that cross-border movement of infected persons continues to pose risks.
“COVID-19 is not peculiar to Nigeria, but we are determined to contain it. There is no cause for alarm,” he added.
