Health authorities in Cross River State have confirmed a case of COVID-19 involving a Chinese national and moved quickly to trace people who came into contact with him.
The 53-year-old man works for Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
He arrived in Nigeria on 17 March and developed symptoms on 10 April.
Doctors first treated him at a company facility before his condition worsened and they transferred him to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
Tests there confirmed the infection. He remains in hospital and responds well to treatment.
State Commissioner for Health Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk briefed journalists in Calabar on Tuesday and said officials followed all standard procedures.
The government has now activated its emergency response centre and sent rapid response teams to Akamkpa.
Epidemiologist Dr Inyang Ekpenyong added that contact tracing identified ten more people who show symptoms after they met the patient at his workplace.
Authorities isolated these individuals at home to limit any further spread.
She reminded residents that the virus has not disappeared completely and asked everyone to keep up basic hygiene, such as regular hand washing and wearing face masks when needed.
Officials stress there is no sign of wider community transmission so far.
They describe the situation as contained for now but continue to monitor closely.
Dr Ayuk told the public there is no reason for panic yet, though people should stay careful in their daily activities.
This marks the first reported case in Cross River in nearly three years.
The state government says it will update residents as more information becomes available.
For the time being, health teams focus on completing contact tracing and supporting the patient’s recovery.
People who feel unwell or have been in contact with someone who travelled recently can visit a health facility for checks.
Simple steps like covering coughs and avoiding crowded places when sick still help protect everyone.
