Panic may soon set in Nigeria’s health system as the country has recorded a fresh case of COVID-19 in the South-South State of Cross River State.
Confirming the frightening development while briefing Newsmen on a resurgence of the deadly SARS variant, Covid-19, in the State, the Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk said the ministry has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with the Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
While revealing that Cross River is recording its first significant case since 2022, the Commissioner promised to curb the spread of the virus.
Explaining the development, the Ayuk revealed that the patient who arrived in the country on the 17th of March 2026 is believed to have contracted the virus within Nigeria after surpassing the 14-day incubation period, as signs and symptoms were noticed on the 10th of April.
He therefore charged Cross Riverians to remain vigilant and however pointed out that they are free to go about their daily legitimate duties.
The Commissioner assured that the state is capable of fighting and preventing the spread of the epidemic.
According to him, the ministry has mobilised health workers across communities in Akamkpa Local Government Area, where the patient lived and worked, to avert possible spread.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) coordinator in Cross River, Yewande Olatunde, has warned Nigerians to remain health-conscious, noting that COVID-19 has not fully been eradicated globally, with different strains developing, as he encouraged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines.
Recall, the disease killed about 3,000 people in Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
