Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
Health authorities in Cross River State have refuted widespread reports suggesting the discovery of 10 additional COVID-19 cases, clarifying that only one confirmed infection has been recorded.
The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, made this known on Thursday during an appearance on The Morning Brief, a programme on Channels Television. He stated that the circulating figure of 10 cases was inaccurate and likely stemmed from a misunderstanding of contact tracing data.
According to Ayuk, health officials had identified 10 individuals who had contact with the infected patient, which may have been misreported as confirmed cases.
The clarification follows the recent confirmation of a COVID-19 case in the state—the first in a long while—raising public concern. The patient, a Chinese national, arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later travelled to Calabar for work. He tested positive for the virus on April 17 after exhibiting symptoms.
Ayuk disclosed that the patient is responding to treatment and is currently receiving care at an isolation facility in Calabar. He added that the patient was initially treated at a private facility before being referred to a teaching hospital when his condition did not improve.
He further explained that all identified contacts are being closely monitored for a 14-day period in line with public health protocols.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government has activated its emergency response systems, including surveillance and risk management structures, to contain any potential spread.
He emphasized that authorities are treating the situation with urgency, noting that even a single confirmed case poses a public health risk if not properly managed.
