… Chinese National identified As Index Case In Cross River
… Govt Activates Surveillance, Urges Public Calm
… WHO Raises Concern Over Lingering Global Risks
Daud Olatunji
Nigeria has recorded a new COVID-19 infection in Cross River State, marking the first confirmed resurgence of the virus in the state since 2022 and reviving public health concerns years after the global pandemic was largely brought under control.
The Cross River State Ministry of Health confirmed that the index case involves a Chinese national who is currently receiving medical attention, while authorities have commenced contact tracing to prevent possible spread within the community.
The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Calabar, said the development has prompted an immediate activation of the state’s disease surveillance and emergency response systems.
According to him, the patient arrived in Nigeria on March 17, 2026, but began exhibiting symptoms on April 10, a timeline that suggests possible local transmission following the standard incubation period.
“We have activated our response mechanisms and commenced profiling and tracing of all contacts. Our health teams have been deployed to Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient resides and works, to prevent further transmission,” Ayuk said.
He, however, urged residents not to panic, stressing that the situation remains under control and that the state government has the capacity to contain any potential outbreak.
“We advise residents to remain vigilant but continue their lawful activities. The situation is under control, and necessary measures have been put in place,” he added.
Also speaking, the World Health Organisation (WHO) coordinator in Cross River State, Yewande Olatunde, warned that COVID-19 has not been completely eradicated globally, noting that emerging variants still pose public health risks.
She emphasised the need for sustained adherence to preventive measures, including hygiene practices and compliance with health advisories.
“COVID-19 is still present in different forms across the world. Nigerians must remain cautious, maintain hygiene practices, and comply with health advisories,” Olatunde said.
Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows that about 3,000 deaths were recorded in Nigeria during the peak of the pandemic, which first emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and rapidly spread across the world, triggering lockdowns and severe economic disruptions.
Although vaccines and public health interventions significantly reduced transmission, health experts continue to warn that sporadic cases and new variants remain possible.
The latest development has triggered renewed vigilance among health authorities, with intensified surveillance measures now underway to prevent any resurgence of the virus in the country.
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