The Cross River State Government has confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19, raising concern among residents and health authorities after nearly three years without any reported infection in the state.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Calabar by the State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, during a press briefing aimed at updating the public on the situation and the steps being taken to prevent a wider outbreak.
According to the commissioner, the new case involves a Chinese national who works with Lafarge. The patient reportedly arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and began showing signs of illness several weeks later.
Ayuk explained that the patient initially sought treatment at a state health facility when his condition worsened. Due to the seriousness of his symptoms, he was later transferred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where doctors carried out further medical tests.
“At UCTH, samples were taken in line with established protocols, and it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms consistent with COVID-19,” Ayuk said.
He added that the patient is currently receiving treatment and is responding well, giving some relief to health officials who are closely monitoring the case.
The confirmation of a new case has sparked fears of a possible return of the virus in Cross River, a state that had previously reported long periods without infections, especially after the peak of the global pandemic between 2020 and 2022.
COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus, first reached Nigeria in 2020 and led to widespread disruptions across the country, including lockdowns, school closures, and pressure on the healthcare system. Since then, cases have dropped significantly, and many states, including Cross River, had not recorded new infections in recent years.
Ayuk noted that the last confirmed case in the state was recorded in 2022, making this latest development a major public health concern. However, he was quick to assure residents that the government is prepared to handle the situation.
He explained that preliminary investigations suggest the patient may have contracted the virus within Nigeria, rather than bringing it from abroad.
“The incubation period for COVID-19 ranges between two and 14 days. However, this individual arrived in the country on March 17 and only began showing symptoms on April 10, which exceeds the typical incubation window,” Ayuk said.
Following the confirmation, the state government has activated its emergency response system to prevent the virus from spreading further. Rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient is believed to be based.
Contact tracing has also begun, with health workers identifying and monitoring individuals who may have had close contact with the infected person. This process is seen as a key step in stopping the spread of infectious diseases, especially in the early stages.
“There is no way to completely stop the virus, but we can prevent an outbreak by containing it effectively and ensuring it does not lead to fatalities,” Ayuk said.
He also stressed that the state’s healthcare system has improved since the early days of the pandemic, with better facilities, trained personnel, and stronger coordination among health agencies.
Despite these assurances, the development has raised concerns among residents, many of whom remember the impact of COVID-19 on daily life, businesses, and the economy. During the peak of the pandemic, Nigeria faced restrictions on movement, reduced economic activity, and increased health risks.
Supporting this view, the World Health Organisation coordinator in Cross River, Yewande Olatunde, warned that COVID-19 remains a global health issue.
She urged residents to stay alert and continue observing basic health measures such as hand hygiene, use of face masks in crowded places, and seeking medical attention when symptoms appear.
“COVID-19 has not been eradicated globally,” she said, adding that vigilance is necessary to prevent a new wave of infections.
Health authorities are also encouraging residents to cooperate with officials, especially during contact tracing efforts, and to avoid spreading false information that could cause panic.
The situation in Cross River reflects a broader reality seen in many parts of the world, where isolated cases of COVID-19 continue to appear even after periods of low transmission. This has led health agencies to maintain surveillance systems and emergency preparedness plans.
For Cross River State, the priority now is to contain the case and prevent community transmission. Officials say early detection and quick response are key to achieving this goal.
Residents have been advised to remain calm but cautious, as the government continues to monitor developments and provide updates.
As Nigeria and the rest of the world move forward from the worst phase of the pandemic, health experts say the focus must remain on preparedness, public awareness, and strong healthcare systems.