It appears that Cross River is determined to hold the record of having zero cases of covid19 in it’s state. The state has for months recorded no case of Coronavirus and this has created suspicions in the minds of other states and its citizens as well.
The hold started breaking when the NMA of Cross River brought to the public’s notice that people were dying from symptoms appearing too similar to that of Coronavirus symptoms. It was also discovered that the state had no centre for testing if one had the disease or not in the entire state.
Yesterday, it was announced that an active case has been discovered. This news apparently did not go down well with the state government as they have come out to speak against this discovery.
In a press release signed by Chairman of COVID-19 Taskforce Response Team and State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Beta Edu said no case has been recorded.
Edu said an index COVID-19 case can only be confirmed with PCR and not the antibody Rapid Diagnostic test kits which the NCDC had said has very low sensitivity and therefore should not be used for COVID 19 diagnosis as it may produce several false-positive cases.
”The attention of the Cross River State Government has been drawn to an internal memo signed by the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme, stating that it had one positive test result.
“It is important to state that an index COVID-19 case can only be confirmed with PCR and not the antibody Rapid Diagnostic test kits which the NCDC had said has very low sensitivity and therefore should not be used for COVID 19 diagnosis as it may produce several false-positive cases.
She said investigation has commenced on the information released as appropriate action will be taken after the taskforce findings especially as it concerns contact tracing.
