Concern as COVID-19 case re-emerges in Nigeria 

Health authorities in Cross River State have confirmed a new case of COVID-19, sparking fresh concerns about a possible return of the virus after several years without a reported infection in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, announced the development during a briefing in Calabar, stating that the index case involves a Chinese expatriate employed by Lafarge.

Ayuk explained that the patient entered Nigeria on March 17 but only began to show symptoms weeks later, an unusual development that has prompted closer investigation by health officials.

According to him, the patient initially received care at a state facility before his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for advanced treatment and testing.

He said laboratory analysis conducted at the facility confirmed that the patient presented symptoms consistent with COVID-19, adding that he is currently stable and responding to treatment.

The commissioner, however, urged calm among residents, noting that the state has significantly improved its disease surveillance and response capacity since the last outbreak.

He recalled that Cross River last recorded a COVID-19 case in 2022 and said preliminary assessments suggest the infection may have been contracted locally rather than imported.

Ayuk highlighted that the typical incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from two to 14 days, but in this instance, symptoms appeared well beyond that timeframe, raising questions about transmission dynamics.

In response to the case, the state government has activated its emergency response systems, including contact tracing and monitoring of individuals who may have had close contact with the patient.

Rapid response teams have also been dispatched to Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient resides, to contain any potential spread.

“There is no way to completely eliminate the virus, but early detection and swift containment are critical to preventing wider transmission,” Ayuk said.

Also reacting, the World Health Organisation’s coordinator in the state, Yewande Olatunde, warned that the virus remains in circulation globally and has not been eradicated.

She called on residents to remain cautious and continue observing basic public health measures, including hygiene practices and prompt reporting of symptoms.