The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Cross River State Government have confirmed a single case of COVID-19 in the state, activating emergency response measures while assuring residents there is no cause for panic.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, the NCDC said the confirmed case had been isolated and was being managed in line with national treatment guidelines.
“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care,” the agency stated.
Providing further details earlier in Calabar, the Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed that the case involved a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working in a company 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 explained that the patient initially presented mild symptoms and was later admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where samples were collected and the infection confirmed.
“The patient is currently receiving care at the state’s designated isolation and treatment centre and is responding well to treatment,” he added.
The commissioner noted that the government delayed public announcement until diagnostic protocols were completed to avoid misinformation, while reassuring residents of their safety.