The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said there is no evidence of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Cross River State, despite the confirmation of a new case.
The reassurance follows an earlier announcement by the Cross River government that a 53-year-old Chinese national tested positive for the virus. The patient, said to be working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area, reportedly arrived in Nigeria on March 17 before developing symptoms.
In a statement on Tuesday, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris confirmed that the case remains isolated and under control.
“This is the only confirmed case that has been isolated and is currently being managed in line with national treatment guidelines. The patient is stable and responding to care,” Idris said.
He explained that emergency response measures were activated immediately after confirmation of the case, in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Health and other partners.
According to the NCDC, efforts currently underway include contact tracing, heightened surveillance, and strict infection prevention and control protocols. All identified contacts are being monitored closely.
Idris emphasised that there is no sign of community spread at this time, noting that the case highlights the effectiveness of Nigeria’s disease surveillance system.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, advising adherence to basic public health measures such as hygiene and early reporting of symptoms.
The agency said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
