Cross River Activates Emergency Response After Fresh COVID-19 Case
The Cross River State government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 and swiftly activated its emergency public health response to contain any potential spread.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, revealed that the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The patient, who initially presented mild symptoms, was admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where tests later confirmed the infection.
According to Ayuk, the patient is currently receiving treatment at the state’s isolation centre and is responding positively to treatment.
He reassured residents that the situation remains under control, urging calm and discouraging panic.
He also explained that authorities withheld public disclosure until all diagnostic procedures were completed to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The state Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, described the case as the first officially recorded in the state since 2022.
She noted that widespread vaccination and possibly mild or undetected infections may have contributed to the low number of reported cases in recent times.
“With even one confirmed case, it qualifies as an outbreak, which is why the emergency operations centre has been activated,” she stated.
Rapid response teams have since been deployed to Akamkpa Local Government Area, with contact tracing already underway.
Health officials are monitoring all identified contacts within the virus’s incubation period of two to 14 days.
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Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) are also collaborating with the state government to strengthen surveillance, testing, and risk communication, while investigations continue to determine the specific variant involved.
Authorities reiterated that COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, urging residents to maintain preventive measures such as regular handwashing, mask use, and physical distancing.
Residents have been advised to remain calm, stay alert, and promptly report symptoms such as fever, cough, or breathing difficulties to the nearest health facility.
