The Cross River State Government has confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19, assuring residents that the situation is under control and does not call for panic.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed the development on Tuesday in Calabar. He revealed that the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria via Lagos on March 17, 2026, before proceeding to a factory in Akamkpa Local Government Area, where symptoms were first noticed.
According to Ayuk, the patient initially showed mild symptoms and was referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where samples were taken and the infection was confirmed.
“The patient is currently receiving care at the state’s designated isolation and treatment centre and is responding well to treatment,” he stated.
Ayuk explained that the government delayed the announcement until all diagnostic procedures were completed to prevent misinformation, adding that the state remains vigilant in its disease surveillance efforts.
“We have activated all necessary procedures, including contact tracing and isolation, to prevent further spread,” he said.
Also speaking, State Epidemiologist Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong noted that this is the first officially recorded case in the state since 2022. She emphasized that even a single confirmed infection qualifies as an outbreak.
“With even one case, we activated the Emergency Operations Centre. Rapid response teams have been deployed, and contact tracing is ongoing,” she said.
Ekpenyong added that all identified contacts are being monitored daily within the virus’ incubation period of two to 14 days, noting that some cases may go undetected due to mild symptoms or similarities with malaria, including fever, cough, and sore throat.
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