Cross River State government has debunked reports of Coronavirus Index Case from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, saying the state is still Covid-19 free.
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.
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.
”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.
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“As a state government we have commenced an investigation into this case and we will get back to the public with our findings.
“All efforts to identify and isolate suspected cases will be encouraged but we denounce any attempt to label CRS COVID-19 Positive using a rapid antibody testing methodology” the statement said.
(Editor Nkoli Omhoudu)
