The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national employed by Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area, and has also identified and isolated 10 individuals who had direct contact with him as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread.
The state epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, stated that the 10 individuals were traced and placed under movement restriction after it was discovered that they had interacted with the index case during a contact tracing exercise carried out by health officials.
She explained that the surveillance team visited the workplace of the affected expatriate in Akamkpa as part of efforts to identify 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 identified contacts are being closely monitored by health authorities.
She explained that the surveillance team visited the workplace of the affected expatriate in Akamkpa as part of efforts to identify 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 identified contacts are being closely monitored by health authorities.
This 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 transmission.
Ayuk explained that the index case involved a 53-year-old Chinese national who arrived in Nigeria on 17 March and later developed symptoms while in Akamkpa. He noted that the patient’s condition deteriorated while receiving treatment at a facility under the state Ministry of Health before he was transferred to UCTH for advanced medical 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 emphasised that the Ministry of Health has 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 although 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 stressed that COVID-19 remains a global concern, warning that infected individuals could travel across borders and spread the virus if preventive measures 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 reiterated that all identified contacts are under observation, while assuring the public that the situation remains under control and is being actively managed.
