THE Cross River State Government has confirmed a fresh COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area, while also identifying and isolating 10 persons who had direct contact with him as part of ongoing containment efforts.
News Point Nigeria reports that according to the state epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, the 10 individuals were traced and placed under movement restriction after they were found to have interacted with the index case during health officials’ contact tracing exercise.
She explained that the surveillance team had visited the workplace of the affected expatriate in Akamkpa as part of efforts to track possible exposure.
“We’ve restricted their movements to their homes, so that they do not spread the symptoms to other persons,” Ekpenyong said, adding that the affected contacts are being closely monitored by health authorities.
She also disclosed that the Chinese national is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and is responding positively to care.
The epidemiologist used the opportunity to remind the public that COVID-19, which first broke out six years ago, had not been completely eradicated, urging residents to maintain hygiene practices such as regular hand sanitisation, wearing of face masks, and adherence to other public health guidelines issued by experts.
The development follows an earlier confirmation by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, who announced that the government had activated all public health systems to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
Ayuk explained that the index case involved a 53-year-old Chinese national who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms while in Akamkpa. He noted that the patient’s condition worsened while receiving treatment at a facility under the state health ministry before he was transferred 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,” the commissioner said, adding that he was pleased the patient was now responding to treatment.
“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” Ayuk stated.
The commissioner further stressed that the Ministry of Health had been strengthened under the current administration to effectively respond to disease outbreaks and epidemics, noting that surveillance systems remain active across the state.
He added that while there have been occasional silent infections and confirmed cases, the government remains fully prepared to manage any public health threat.
“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm. The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm,” he said.
Ayuk also emphasised that COVID-19 remains a global concern, warning that infected individuals could move across borders and spread the virus if precautions are not maintained.
“COVID-19 is not peculiar to Nigeria. But we’re determined to contain it. There’s no cause for alarm,” he added.
Health authorities have since reiterated that all identified contacts remain under observation, while reassurances continue that the situation is under control and being actively managed.