10 contacts of Chinese COVID-19 patient identified, under close monitoring, says Cross River

The Cross River state government says 10 persons who interacted with the Chinese national infected with COVID-19 have been identified and isolated.

The state government had on Tuesday announced that it recorded a new case of COVID-19.

Henry Ayuk, the state commissioner for health, said the index case involves a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge in Akamkpa LGA, who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms.

Speaking with TheCable on Wednesday, Inyang Ekpenyong, the state epidemiologist, said health officials immediately carried out contact tracing after the case was discovered.

“We were able to identify 10 contacts of the patient. We have isolated them and are closely monitoring them. None of them have come down with symptoms,” Ekpenyong said.

She added that the Chinese national is stable and responding to treatment.

Speaking on Tuesday, Jide Idris, director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said response measures were immediately activated after the case was confirmed, in collaboration with state authorities and 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 & control,” the NCDC boss said in a statement.

“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission.”

He said the detection of the case demonstrates that the agency’s surveillance systems remain active and advised members of the public to remain cautious and adhere to basic health measures.