Cross River State Reports First COVID-19 Case in Four Years, Activates Emergency Response Centre
The Cross River State Ministry of Health has officially confirmed a case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within the state, marking the first reported instance since 2022. This development has prompted the immediate activation of the state's emergency response unit to manage the situation effectively.
Details of the Confirmed Case
Dr Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, disclosed this information during a press briefing at the ministry's headquarters in Calabar. He revealed that the case was confirmed on April 17, 2026, and involves a Chinese national employed by Lafarge. The individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17 before falling ill.
According to Dr Ayuk, the patient's condition deteriorated at a medical facility under the ministry's jurisdiction, necessitating transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). At UCTH, samples were collected, and all necessary protocols were meticulously followed, leading to the confirmation of COVID-19 symptoms.
"We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well," the commissioner stated, offering reassurance about the patient's current health status.
State's Preparedness and Response Measures
Dr Ayuk emphasized that the Ministry of Health has been strategically repositioned by the current administration to handle various situations, including disease outbreaks and epidemics. He assured residents that preparedness capabilities have been significantly enhanced since the confirmation of this case.
"I wish to assure residents of the state that we have been beefing up our preparedness capabilities since the confirmation of this case, and we will use all the resources made available by the government to respond to this case," he affirmed.
The commissioner acknowledged that there have been occasional silent infections and clear cases over time but maintained a determined stance. "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," he added, aiming to prevent public panic.
Activation of Emergency Response Unit
In response to the confirmed case, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, the State Epidemiologist, announced the activation of the state's emergency response unit. She detailed that contact tracing and line listing of individuals who may have been in contact with the Chinese national are currently underway.
Dr Ekpenyong noted that the last confirmed COVID-19 case in Cross River State occurred in 2022, highlighting the significance of this new development. She suggested that the Chinese national may have contracted the virus within Nigeria, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance.
Key Points from the Announcement
- The confirmed case involves a Chinese national working with Lafarge, who arrived in Nigeria on March 17.
- The patient is currently in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical care.
- The Cross River State Ministry of Health has activated its emergency response unit to manage the situation.
- Contact tracing efforts are actively being conducted to identify and monitor potential exposures.
- Health officials reassure the public of their preparedness and commitment to handling the outbreak without causing alarm.
This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of COVID-19 and the importance of maintaining robust public health measures. Cross River State authorities are taking proactive steps to contain the situation and protect residents, leveraging lessons learned from previous outbreaks.
