The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 and says it has activated emergency response measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk said the confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Lagos on March 17, before travelling to a factory in Akamkpa Local Government Area, where symptoms were first observed.
The patient reportedly presented mild symptoms and was referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where samples were taken and the infection confirmed.
Dr. Ayuk said the patient is currently receiving treatment at a designated isolation centre and is responding well.
He explained that the government delayed public disclosure until all diagnostic procedures were completed to avoid misinformation, adding that surveillance systems have been strengthened across the state.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, noted that this is the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Cross River since 2022, stressing that even a single case is treated as an outbreak.
She said an Emergency Operations Centre has been activated, with rapid response teams deployed and contact tracing ongoing.
Identified contacts are being monitored within the virus’ incubation period of two to 14 days.
Health officials also warned that COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for malaria due to similarities such as fever, cough, and sore throat.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm, observe basic hygiene practices, and report any suspected symptoms to health facilities promptly.
