Akwa Ibom Government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance following the confirmation of a new outbreak in a neighbouring state.
In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by the Commissioner for Health, Ekem John, and the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the state government said the development poses a potential risk due to “close geographic, social, and economic interactions” among populations.
The statement said Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, after receiving a briefing from the Ministry of Health, directed the immediate activation of heightened surveillance across entry points, health facilities, and communities.
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“He further directed that disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams be placed on alert to detect and manage any suspected cases promptly. All these have been done,” the statement said.
However, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel, in a statement in Uyo on Monday, recalled that Governor Umo Eno had directed the ministry to activate heightened surveillance across all entry points, health facilities, and communities to forestall any outbreak.
“Disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams have been placed on red alert to promptly detect and manage any suspected cases.
“Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to public health guidelines.
“Citizens are also advised to observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers, wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed spaces.
“Citizens are also advised to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, refrain from handshakes and physical greetings, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing occur,” he said.
The commissioner urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols.
He said the ministry would strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other relevant partners to ensure effective monitoring and coordinated response.
Emmanuel reassured residents that the government was committed to safeguarding public health.
The commissioner urged the public to rely only on verified information from the Ministry of Health and avoid spreading unverified reports that might cause unnecessary panic.
Emmanuel said an enquiry desk had been set up at the ministry, with designated helplines available to assist members of the public.
The helplines are: Director, Public Health, Dr Bassey Akpan – 08035321513; and State Epidemiologist, Dr Edet Eneh – 08038722244.
Cross River identifies 10 cases
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that on April 21, the Commissioner for Health in Cross River, Dr Henry Ayuk, announced the first reported case of the outbreak, which involved a Chinese national.
Following the confirmation of a single case of COVID-19, the Cross River State Government has identified and isolated 10 persons who came in contact with a Chinese national recently confirmed to have COVID-19.
Also, the state government assured residents that the situation is under control with no evidence of wider transmission.
Ayuk said the index case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms.
Providing an update, the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said swift contact tracing efforts led to the identification of 10 individuals who had interacted with the patient.
“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.
Ekpenyong added that the patient is in stable condition and responding well to treatment, raising hopes of recovery.
Corroborating the development, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Jide Idris, said emergency response measures were immediately activated following confirmation of the case.
“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,” he said.
“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission,” he added.
The NCDC boss noted that the detection underscores the effectiveness of Nigeria’s disease surveillance system and urged citizens not to panic but to remain vigilant.
NCDC also reiterated the importance of basic preventive measures, including regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and prompt reporting of symptoms, as the country continues to guard against potential outbreaks.
(NAN)
