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 times.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Calabar, stating that the case was confirmed on April 17, 2026.
According to him, the patient is a Chinese national working with Lafarge who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 before falling ill.
Ayuk said the patient’s condition worsened at a state facility and he was transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where tests confirmed COVID-19 after all protocols were followed.
“We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that the state has strengthened its response capacity to manage the situation.
“I wish to assure residents of the state that we have been beefing up our preparedness capabilities since the confirmation of this case and we will use all the resources made available by the government to respond to this case,” he said.
Ayuk noted that while there have been occasional silent infections, the state remains vigilant and prepared to contain any outbreak.
“But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm,” he said.
“The state will do well in terms of surveillance or containment of an outbreak. Whatever it is, we will do our best to contain it. So, there is no alarm.”
He added that the ministry took time to verify the case before making it public to ensure due process was followed.
