The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is working closely with authorities in Cross River following the confirmation of a COVID-19 case.
Director-General Dr. Jide Idris told reporters on Tuesday in Abuja that the agency had activated response mechanisms to contain the situation.
The Cross River Ministry of Health confirmed a case involving a 53-year-old foreign national who developed symptoms weeks after arriving in Nigeria and later tested positive at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
State Commissioner for Health Dr. Henry Ayuk said the patient had been admitted and was responding to treatment, while samples were analysed to guide further clinical management.
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“The NCDC, in collaboration with the state government and partners, has intensified contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention measures. All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence of widespread transmission at this time,” Idris said.
He emphasized that the case demonstrates Nigeria’s surveillance and response systems remain functional and responsive. Residents were urged to maintain good hygiene, stay home if unwell, and follow official public health updates.
Nigeria recorded its first COVID-19 case in February 2020, prompting nationwide public health measures. Although cases have declined, experts caution that the virus has not been eradicated and may circulate at low levels. Sustained surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response remain critical to prevent undetected outbreaks.
As of April 13, 2024, the Worldometer Coronavirus Tracker ceased updates, reporting 267,188 confirmed cases, 3,155 deaths, and 259,953 recoveries in Nigeria.
