NCDC Rules Out Widespread COVID-19 Transmission in Cross River.

(NCDC) The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has clarified that there is currently no evidence of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Cross River State, following public concern over a newly confirmed case in the state.

This assurance comes after the Cross River State Government announced the detection of a fresh COVID-19 case involving a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area. According to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, the patient arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms consistent with the virus.

In its official response, the NCDC emphasized that the situation remains under control, noting that the case is an isolated one and does not suggest a return to large-scale community transmission. The agency stated that all surveillance systems remain active and responsive, while health officials have moved swiftly to prevent any further spread.

Contact Tracing and Emergency Response Activated

Following the confirmation of the case, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, working closely with the NCDC and development partners, immediately activated emergency public health response measures.

These measures include contact tracing, line listing, active surveillance, and infection prevention protocols in Akamkpa and surrounding areas. Health officials are currently monitoring all identified contacts linked to the patient, while rapid response teams have been deployed to assess any potential risk of secondary transmission.

The NCDC further disclosed that the patient is presently in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical care in line with national treatment guidelines. Authorities also reassured residents that there is no cause for panic, urging the public to continue observing standard hygiene practices.
Public health experts noted that the case appears to have been detected through routine disease surveillance, which they say reflects the continued effectiveness of Nigeria’s health monitoring systems.

On NCDC Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant, Remain Calm

Health authorities have called on residents of Cross River and Nigerians at large to remain calm while continuing to observe preventive health measures such as proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and early medical consultation when symptoms arise.

Officials from both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the state government reiterated that COVID-19 has not been completely eradicated globally, making vigilance and preparedness essential.

The latest development marks the first confirmed case reported in Cross River in several years, but the NCDC authorities insist that there is no indication of an outbreak at this time.