Cross River confirms fresh COVID-19 case as authorities begin contact tracing

Nigeria has recorded a fresh case of COVID-19, with the latest infection confirmed in Cross River State.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health said it has commenced profiling and contact tracing of persons who may have interacted with a Chinese national who tested positive for the virus.

The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed this in Calabar while briefing journalists on the development.

Ayuk said the case represents the first major COVID-19 incident recorded in the state since 2022, assuring residents that authorities are fully prepared to contain any possible spread.

According to him, the patient arrived in Nigeria on March 17, 2026, and is believed to have contracted the virus within the country after exceeding the 14-day incubation period, with symptoms reportedly appearing on April 10.

He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and continue their normal lawful activities, stressing that the state has the capacity to manage and prevent further transmission.

The commissioner added that health workers have already been mobilised across communities in Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient lived and worked, to prevent community spread.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation coordinator in Cross River, Yewande Olatunde, warned that COVID-19 has not been completely eradicated globally.

She noted that new strains continue to emerge and advised Nigerians to remain health-conscious, vigilant and compliant with public health guidelines.

The latest development comes years after the global COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives worldwide and disrupted economies across continents.

In Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported about 3,000 deaths linked to the disease.

COVID-19 was first identified in China in late 2019 before spreading worldwide, leading to lockdowns and severe economic disruptions.

However, the impact of the virus later eased following the rollout of vaccines and improved public health measures across many countries.