NCDC: No Evidence of Widespread COVID-19 Transmission in Cross River
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said there is no evidence of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Cross River State.
Earlier, the Cross River State Government announced that it had recorded a new case of the virus.
Henry Ayuk, the state Commissioner for Health, disclosed that the index case involved a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area. According to him, the individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, said the agency was aware of media reports concerning the confirmed case and assured the public that the situation remained under control.
He said the patient had been isolated and was receiving treatment.
“This is the only confirmed case that has been isolated and is currently being managed in line with national treatment guidelines. The patient is in stable condition and responding to care,” the statement read.
Idris added that response measures were immediately activated after confirmation of the case in collaboration with the state government and relevant partners.
“Following confirmation of the case, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, in coordination with NCDC and with support from partners, has activated response measures, including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention and control,” he said.
“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission.”
He noted that the detection of the case showed that the country’s surveillance systems remained active and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue observing basic health precautions.
The NCDC boss also said the agency would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when necessary.