The Cross River State Government has identified and placed under isolation 10 individuals who had contact with a Chinese national linked to a recent reappearance of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
State health authorities said the individuals were traced through an intensive contact-tracing exercise conducted shortly after the case was confirmed.
Speaking to journalists, the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said the affected persons had been swiftly restricted to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
“We’ve restricted their movements to their homes, so that they do not spread the symptoms to other persons,” she said.
Ekpenyong explained that health officials extended their investigation to the workplace of the infected individual in Akamkpa Local Government Area, as part of efforts to contain possible transmission.
She also provided an update on the condition of the index case, noting that the patient is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
“As for the Chinese national, he is responding to treatment,” she added.
The epidemiologist used the opportunity to remind residents that despite a global decline in cases, COVID-19 has not been eradicated, urging continued adherence to safety protocols such as regular hand sanitisation, mask use, and compliance with medical advice.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, confirmed the development and reassured residents that the situation was under control.
According to him, the state had promptly activated its public health response systems to contain any potential outbreak.
“COVID-19 is not peculiar to Nigeria. But we’re determined to contain it. There’s no cause for alarm,” Ayuk said, while warning that cross-border transmission remains a global concern.
Authorities added that surveillance has been intensified across the state, particularly in areas linked to the confirmed case, as health teams continue to monitor the isolated individuals.
The development underscores the persistent threat posed by infectious diseases in an increasingly interconnected world, even years after the initial global outbreak.
