The Cross River State Government has confirmed the isolation of a Chinese national at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital over a suspected case of COVID-19.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, noting that the patient is currently receiving treatment under strict medical supervision.
Ayuk said the individual arrived in Nigeria through Lagos on March 17, 2026, and later travelled to Calabar en route to a factory in Akamkpa Local Government Area, where symptoms were first noticed at a clinic.
He explained that the case was immediately referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where isolation protocols were activated, while the state government swiftly initiated its public health response.
According to him, measures already in place include contact tracing and close monitoring to prevent any possible spread of the virus.
“We have activated all necessary procedures, including isolation and contact tracing, to contain the situation,” Ayuk said, adding that the state is working in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
He, however, assured residents that there was no cause for panic, stressing that the situation remained under control.
Also speaking, the World Health Organisation coordinator in the state, Dr Olatunde Yewande, and the State Epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, said surveillance had been intensified to manage any potential outbreak.
They noted that COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, could present symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, cough, fatigue and breathing difficulties.
The health officials advised residents to observe preventive measures such as regular handwashing, vaccination, use of face masks where necessary, and avoiding close contact with suspected cases.
They emphasised that early detection and prompt isolation remain key to curbing transmission.
