The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19, sparking concerns about a possible return of the virus after nearly three years without any recorded infections in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing in Calabar.
According to Ayuk, the case involves a Chinese national employed by Lafarge, who entered Nigeria on March 17 but only began showing symptoms weeks later.
The patient’s condition reportedly worsened at a state health facility, leading to an urgent transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. At the hospital, samples were collected and tested, confirming symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Ayuk noted that the patient is currently responding well to treatment.
Despite the confirmed case, the commissioner reassured residents that the state’s healthcare system is better equipped to handle infectious disease outbreaks. He also pointed out that the last recorded COVID-19 case in the state was in 2022.
Ayuk explained that initial findings suggest the infection may have been contracted within Nigeria. He highlighted that the virus typically has an incubation period of two to 14 days, whereas the patient only showed symptoms on April 10—well beyond the expected timeframe after his arrival.
In response, health officials have begun contact tracing to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the patient. The state has also activated its emergency response centre and dispatched rapid response teams to Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient resides.
“There is no way to completely eliminate the virus, but we can contain it and prevent serious outcomes,” Ayuk said.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization Coordinator in Cross River, Dr. Yewande Olatunde, emphasized that COVID-19 remains a global concern. She urged residents to stay alert and continue following public health guidelines.
This development serves as a reminder that vigilance remains essential, as authorities step up monitoring efforts to prevent further spread of the virus in the state.
