A fresh case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Cross River State, marking the first significant infection since 2022, as health authorities begin contact tracing linked to an infected foreign national.

How the case emerged

The Cross River State Ministry of Health confirmed that the case involves a Chinese national who tested positive after showing symptoms weeks after arriving Nigeria.

Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed that the patient entered the country on March 17, 2026, but began showing signs on April 10.

He said the timeline suggests the infection may have been contracted within Nigeria after the incubation period.

Response from authorities

Health officials have moved swiftly, deploying teams to Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient lived and worked.

Contact tracing and profiling of individuals who may have been exposed are currently ongoing.

Ayuk urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities while observing basic health precautions.

Fresh warning from WHO

The World Health Organisation has also raised concern, noting that COVID-19 has not been eradicated globally.

Its coordinator in the state, Yewande Olatunde, warned that new variants are still emerging and advised Nigerians to remain vigilant.

Background

The development comes years after the global pandemic that disrupted economies and claimed millions of lives.

In Nigeria, about 3,000 deaths were recorded, according to official data.