Akwa Ibom rejects COVID-19 cases in the state, says ‘there are no symptoms’

Akwa Ibom has rejected the reported positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, saying they are not exhibiting any symptoms. 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had on Wednesday announced the new cases which added to the total cases of 174 recorded in Nigeria as at then.

But Dominic Ukpong, Akwa Ibom commissioner for health, has said the state wants the NCDC to carry out fresh test on the five cases. 

“We observed a disturbing breach in the test and reporting procedure. Akwa Ibom State Government only heard about the test results in the news,” the statement read. 

“The Director General of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was not aware of the reported result announcement. All 5 reported positive test cases have been contacted and they have showed no COVID-19 symptoms. While the tests were being processed in NCDC approved test facilities, all suspected cases were held in isolation.

“Several sample batches have been previously sent for testing from Akwa Ibom State and they all returned negative results. Owing to the irregularities observed in the testing and reporting procedure, Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have called for an immediate reconfirmation test on the 5 reported cases. The results will be made public; following due process.

“Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have also appealed to the NCDC to ensure that all future tests are conducted following due process in order to maintain continued confidence in the process.”

The government added that the incident management committee will continue to meet on a daily basis to review and analyse the situation while updates will be provided as and when due.