The Cross River State Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of COVID -19 in the state, marking the first reported infection there in recent years.
State Commissioner for Health Dr. Henry Ayuk announced the case while briefing journalists in Calabar, saying it was confirmed on April 17, 2026.
Ayuk said the patient is a Chinese national working with Lafarge who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later fell ill. He said the patient’s condition worsened at a state medical facility before he was transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where samples were taken and protocols followed. The case was subsequently confirmed as COVID-19.
“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” Ayuk said.
He said the ministry has strengthened preparedness to manage disease outbreaks and urged residents not to panic, noting that surveillance and response systems have been enhanced.
“We will use all available resources to respond to this case,” he said, adding that the state is committed to containing any outbreak.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong said the emergency response unit has been activated and contact tracing is underway. She said officials are identifying individuals who may have come into contact with the patient.
Ekpenyong noted that the last confirmed COVID-19 case in Cross River was in 2022 and suggested the patient may have contracted the virus within Nigeria.
“The incubation period is typically between two and 14 days, but this case falls outside that range based on travel history,” she said.
She added that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, where the patient works, and that efforts are focused on containing the spread.
“There is no way we can stop the disease entirely, but we can prevent an outbreak and ensure it is properly managed,” she said.
Health officials advised residents to maintain preventive measures, including regular handwashing, use of alcohol-based sanitizers, physical distancing and proper respiratory hygiene.
The World Health Organization coordinator in Cross River, Dr. Yewande Olatunde, said the virus remains present and urged continued vigilance.
