22/04/2026
A new case of COVID-19 has been reported in Nigeria, with health officials confirming an infection in Cross River State.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, shared the news on Tuesday in Calabar, revealing that the patient is a 53-year-old Chinese national employed in the Akamkpa Local Government Area.
Ayuk explained that the individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and subsequently showed symptoms, leading to their admission at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
“At the UCTH, samples were collected, and all necessary protocols were followed, confirming that he has COVID-19,” Ayuk stated. “On a positive note, we’re pleased to report that he is recovering well.”
He emphasized that the state government has bolstered its disease surveillance system to effectively manage any potential outbreaks, reassuring residents not to panic.
“There’s no need for alarm. The state is well-equipped for surveillance and containment,” he added.
State Epidemiologist Inyang Ekpenyong mentioned that the emergency response system is now active, with contact tracing already in progress.
“We’re compiling a list of individuals he may have been in contact with as part of our containment strategy,” she said.
Ekpenyong pointed out that while the last confirmed COVID-19 case in Cross River State was in 2022, this new case raises concerns about possible local transmission, considering the timeline of symptoms.
She noted that rapid response teams have been dispatched to Akamkpa, where the patient works, to monitor and prevent any potential spread.
“We’ve activated the emergency response center. While we can’t completely eliminate the disease, we can certainly work to prevent an outbreak,” she remarked.
Yewande Olatunde, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Cross River, urged everyone to remain vigilant.
“The virus is still present. We must keep following preventive measures to safeguard ourselves,” she advised.