Wednesday, April 22, 2026: The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Cross River State Government, has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 in the state, triggering immediate public health response measures.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency disclosed that the infected individual has been isolated and is receiving treatment in line with national guidelines. The patient is reported to be in stable condition and responding to care.
Authorities identified the case as a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago and works in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Following the confirmation, the NCDC activated contact tracing and deployed rapid response teams to track and monitor all individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Health officials said all identified contacts are being followed up within the virus’s incubation period, with no evidence so far of widespread transmission.
The State Epidemiologist noted that even a single confirmed case qualifies as an outbreak, prompting the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre to contain any potential spread.
Officials also highlighted that this is the first officially recorded COVID-19 case in Cross River State since 2022, attributing the low number of recent reports to vaccination efforts and mild or undetected infections.
The NCDC reassured residents that Nigeria’s disease surveillance systems remain active and effective, emphasizing that early detection and rapid response are key to preventing wider outbreaks.
Health authorities urged the public to continue observing preventive measures, including proper hand hygiene, use of face masks where necessary, and maintaining physical distancing.
Experts say sporadic COVID-19 cases are still expected due to global travel and ongoing circulation of the virus, stressing the importance of sustained vigilance in the post-pandemic period.
NCDC launches contact tracing after Cross River COVID-19 case
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