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CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE — By Prime Brief Media

The Cross River State Government has identified and isolated 10 additional persons exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID‑19, health authorities confirmed on Wednesday, as contact tracing efforts intensify following the confirmation of the state‘s first case in four years.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, speaking to Daily Trust, disclosed that the 10 individuals were identified during active case search and line listing conducted by health officials at the workplace of the index case in Akamkpa Local Government Area. “We have restricted their movements to their homes so that they do not spread the symptoms to other persons,” Dr. Ekpenyong stated.

The index case, a 53‑year‑old Chinese expatriate employed by Lafarge, arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and began developing symptoms on April 10 — well beyond the typical 14‑day incubation period, raising concerns that he may have contracted the virus locally. He is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is reported to be responding well.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated response measures in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health. Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC Director‑General, confirmed that all identified contacts are being monitored and that “there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission.” Rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, and the state emergency operations centre has been fully activated.

Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, who first announced the case on Monday, reiterated that the state had delayed public disclosure until diagnostic protocols were completed to prevent misinformation. He assured residents that “the state is safe” and that there was “no cause for alarm,” while urging continued vigilance and adherence to preventive measures.

This marks Cross River State’s first officially recorded COVID‑19 infection since 2022, according to health officials, who attributed the low detection rate in intervening years to vaccination efforts and the prevalence of mild or unreported cases. The World Health Organisation‘s State Coordinator, Dr. Yewande Olatunde, emphasised the need for sustained surveillance, warning that “the disease is still around.”

Dr. Ekpenyong reminded the public that COVID‑19 has not been totally eliminated and advised Nigerians to maintain hand hygiene, use face masks in crowded spaces, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Prime Brief Media continues to monitor the public health situation in Cross River State and will provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the condition of isolated contacts and any further epidemiological developments.