By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm following the confirmation of a new COVID-19 case in Cross River State, saying there is no evidence of widespread transmission at present.
In a statement by its Director-General, Jide Idris, the agency said all contacts linked to the case are being traced and monitored, while response measures have been activated in collaboration with state health authorities.
The development follows confirmation by the Cross River State Government of an infection involving a Chinese national working in Akamkpa Local Government Area, who reportedly developed symptoms after arriving in Nigeria on March 17.
The NCDC confirmed that the patient has been isolated and is receiving care in line with established public health protocols. It added that surveillance and infection prevention measures have been strengthened across affected areas.
Health authorities and partner agencies have also intensified monitoring of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, while advising the public to maintain basic hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and proper respiratory etiquette. Nigerians were further urged to seek prompt medical attention if they develop related symptoms.
COVID-19, first identified in 2019, triggered a global pandemic that resulted in millions of deaths and severe economic disruption worldwide. Nigeria recorded over 266,000 confirmed cases and more than 3,000 deaths during the height of the outbreak.
Despite the new case, health officials have urged calm, stressing that the situation remains under control and closely monitored.
