The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Cross River State Government have confirmed a single case of COVID-19 in the state, triggering emergency response measures while assuring residents there is no cause for panic.
In a statement released Tuesday night, the NCDC said the patient has been isolated and is receiving treatment in line with national guidelines.
“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care,” the agency said.
The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, said the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
“The confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago and works in a company at Akamkpa Local Government Area,” Ayuk said.
He said the patient initially presented mild symptoms and was later admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where tests confirmed the infection.
“The patient is currently receiving care at the state’s designated isolation and treatment centre and is responding well to treatment,” he added.
Ayuk said authorities delayed the public announcement until diagnostic protocols were completed to avoid misinformation, stressing that the situation is under control.
“The state is safe. There is no cause for alarm, but we must all play our part in preventing the spread,” he said.
Following the confirmation, the NCDC said it activated coordinated response measures with the state Ministry of Health and partners, including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention and control.
“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission,” the agency said.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, said the case qualifies as an outbreak by definition, noting that even a single confirmed infection triggers emergency protocols.
“With even a single confirmed case, it qualifies as an outbreak, and that is why we immediately activated the Emergency Operations Centre,” she said.
She added that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, with contact tracing ongoing within the virus’s incubation period of two to 14 days.
Health officials said the case is the first officially recorded in the state since 2022, attributing the low visibility of infections in recent years to vaccination and mild or unreported cases.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, said the development highlights the effectiveness of Nigeria’s surveillance system.
“The detection of this case reflects that these systems remain functional and responsive,” he said.
Officials also urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures, including hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and prompt reporting of symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stressed the need for sustained surveillance and warned against misinformation.
“Preventive measures such as hand hygiene, use of face masks, and physical distancing remain critical,” WHO State Coordinator Olatunde Rebecca said.
Nigeria recorded its first COVID-19 case in February 2020, prompting a nationwide response. While infections have declined significantly, health experts say sporadic cases remain likely due to global travel and continued virus circulation.
