COVID-19 Alert in Cross River as Chinese National Isolated at UCTH

Health authorities in Cross River State have confirmed the isolation of a Chinese national at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital following a suspected case of COVID-19.

The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, said on Tuesday that the patient is receiving care under strict medical supervision. He noted that the individual arrived in Nigeria through Lagos on March 17, 2026, and later travelled to Calabar en route to a factory in Akamkpa Local Government Area, where symptoms were first identified at a clinic.

According to Ayuk, the case was immediately referred to UCTH, where isolation procedures were activated. The state has also initiated contact tracing and other containment measures in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

“We have activated all necessary procedures, including contact tracing and isolation, to prevent further spread,” he said, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.

Officials from the World Health Organization in the state, including coordinator Olatunde Yewande and State Epidemiologist Inyang Ekpenyong, confirmed that surveillance and response systems have been strengthened.

They explained that COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can present symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, cough, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.

Residents have been advised to maintain preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene, vaccination, and avoiding close contact with suspected cases. Health officials emphasised that early detection and prompt isolation remain key to limiting transmission.