Health officials in Cross River State have moved quickly to contain a fresh COVID-19 case after a foreign national reintroduced the virus into the country.
According to the state epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, 10 individuals who had contact with the infected Chinese national have been identified through contact tracing. They have since been isolated and placed under movement restrictions to prevent any possible spread.
“We’ve restricted their movements to their homes so they don’t transmit the virus to others,” she explained, adding that health teams are closely monitoring all identified contacts.
Surveillance efforts have also extended to the expatriate’s workplace in Akamkpa, where officials are assessing potential exposure risks and taking steps to limit further transmission.
The infected individual is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is said to be responding well.
Dr. Ekpenyong reminded residents that COVID-19 has not been completely eradicated, despite the decline in global cases in recent years. She urged the public to remain cautious by maintaining good hygiene, using face masks where necessary, and following health guidelines.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, had earlier confirmed the case, assuring residents that the government has activated all necessary measures to contain the situation.
He stressed that while the virus remains a global concern due to international travel, there is no need for panic, as authorities are on top of the situation.
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, first emerged in 2019 and went on to become a global pandemic, affecting millions worldwide. It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and breathing difficulties, although some infected individuals may show no symptoms at all.
