KEY POINTS

• Cross River recorded its first recent case of COVID-19 involving a foreign worker.
• The patient is stable, while authorities have activated emergency response and contact tracing.
• Residents are urged to follow health guidelines to prevent further spread.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health has confirmed a new case of COVID-19, marking the first reported infection in the state in recent years.

The case was officially confirmed on April 17, 2026.

State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Calabar. He explained that the infected is a Chinese national working with Lafarge, who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later developed symptoms.

According to Ayuk, the patient’s condition worsened initially and he was transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for proper care. After testing and following due medical protocols, the infection was confirmed.

He assured residents that the patient is currently stable and responding well to treatment. The commissioner also emphasized that the state government has strengthened its health system to effectively manage such outbreaks without causing panic.

Contact Tracing Ongoing, Emergency Team Deployed

The State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said the emergency response centre has been activated immediately following the confirmation.

She noted that health officials have begun contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the patient. Rapid response teams have also been deployed to Akamkpa, where the infected works.

Ekpenyong explained that based on the virus incubation period, the infection may have been contracted within Nigeria rather than abroad.

Health officials are advising residents to remain cautious by maintaining proper hygiene. Preventive steps include regular handwashing, using hand sanitisers, keeping a safe distance from sick and practicing proper cough etiquette.

Also speaking, World Health Organization coordinator in the state, Yewande Olatunde, reminded the public that the virus is still present and vigilance remains essential.