Health authorities in Cross River State have confirmed a new case of COVID-19, sparking renewed vigilance across the state. Officials, however, have urged residents to remain calm, assuring that swift containment measures are already in place.

The announcement was made in Calabar by the Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, during a press briefing. According to him, the confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese national employed by Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

Ayuk disclosed that the individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later began exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The patient was initially managed at a government facility before being transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for advanced care.

“At UCTH, all protocols were strictly followed, and laboratory confirmation established that he had COVID-19,” Ayuk said, adding that the patient is currently responding well to treatment.

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The state government emphasized that its healthcare system has been strengthened since previous outbreaks, enabling a more coordinated and effective response. Authorities stressed that there is no cause for panic, as surveillance and containment strategies are actively being implemented.

Ayuk explained that officials deliberately delayed the public announcement until all verification processes were completed, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established health protocols. This approach, he noted, reflects the government’s commitment to responsible public communication.

Further details were provided by the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, who confirmed that the state’s emergency response mechanism has been activated. Rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, while contact tracing and line listing of potential exposures are ongoing.

Ekpenyong highlighted that the last recorded COVID-19 case in the state occurred in 2022, raising questions about the source of the current infection. She noted that the virus’s incubation period typically ranges from two to 14 days, yet the patient developed symptoms well beyond that timeframe after arrival in Nigeria.

This, she suggested, indicates a possibility that the infection may have been acquired locally rather than imported, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance.

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Health experts reiterated that while COVID-19 may not be entirely preventable, its spread can be effectively controlled through prompt and coordinated action. Ekpenyong stressed that containment efforts are focused on minimizing transmission and preventing fatalities.

“There is no way to completely stop the disease, but we can stop an outbreak through proper management and intervention,” she stated.

Supporting this stance, Yewande Olatunde of the World Health Organization warned that COVID-19 remains a significant public health concern. She urged residents to continue observing preventive measures, including hygiene practices and early reporting of symptoms.

The development has prompted intensified surveillance across the state, with authorities closely monitoring potential cases and reinforcing public health messaging. Officials remain optimistic that with the systems now in place, the outbreak can be contained before it escalates.

As Cross River navigates this latest health challenge, the focus remains on rapid response, transparency, and community cooperation—key elements in preventing a wider spread of the virus.