Cross River Detects New COVID-19 Case, Launches Emergency Contact Tracing

Cross River State has confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19, prompting health authorities to activate surveillance measures and begin contact tracing across affected communities.

The State Ministry of Health announced the development in Calabar on Tuesday, describing it as the first notable COVID-19 case recorded in the state since 2022.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, said the confirmed case involves a Chinese national who arrived in Nigeria on March 17, 2026. He noted that preliminary investigations suggest the infection may have been contracted locally after the standard 14-day incubation period, with symptoms reportedly beginning on April 10.

Ayuk assured residents that the state has strengthened its public health response systems to prevent any possible spread of the virus.

“We have commenced profiling and contact tracing of all persons who may have had contact with the patient, particularly in Akamkpa Local Government Area,” he said.

He urged the public to remain calm and continue daily activities, stressing that the government is fully prepared to manage the situation.

Health teams have already been deployed to communities linked to the patient’s movements to enhance monitoring and containment efforts.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) coordinator in Cross River State, Yewande Olatunde, also cautioned that COVID-19 remains a global health concern despite reduced cases worldwide, warning that new variants continue to emerge.

She advised residents to maintain vigilance and adhere to basic health precautions, including hygiene practices and timely reporting of symptoms.

COVID-19, first detected in late 2019 in China, spread rapidly across the world, leading to a global pandemic that disrupted economies and claimed millions of lives. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) previously recorded about 3,000 deaths before infection rates declined following vaccination campaigns and improved response measures.

Authorities say monitoring and contact tracing efforts will continue as part of ongoing containment strategies.