From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has debunked rumours circulating in the state about a supposed spread of COVID-19, clarifying that only one person has been diagnosed with the virus.
In a statement issued to news correspondents in Calabar by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, the Ministry dismissed a publication by Daily Trust titled “Cross River Identifies 10 More Persons With COVID Symptoms,” describing it as misleading and inaccurate.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the Cross River State Ministry of Health has been drawn to a publication by Daily Trust titled ‘Cross River Identifies 10 More Persons With COVID Symptoms.’
“The report, as presented, is misleading and does not accurately reflect the current public health situation in the state.”
It further clarified: “For the avoidance of doubt, Cross River State currently has only one (1) confirmed case of COVID-19. As clearly communicated during the press briefing held in Calabar on April 21, 2026, there are no additional confirmed cases in the state as of today.”
According to the ministry, the ten individuals referred to in the report are contacts of the confirmed case, identified through routine and proactive contact tracing.
“The ten (10) individuals referenced in the report are contacts of the confirmed case, identified through routine and proactive contact tracing.
They are not confirmed cases, nor are they classified as suspected cases, as none of them is currently exhibiting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19,” the statement added.
For clarity, Dr. Ayuk explained the categories of classification in public health practice: “Contacts are individuals who have had close interaction with a confirmed case.
“Suspected cases are individuals showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Confirmed cases are individuals who have tested positive through laboratory diagnosis.”
He further stated that the identified contacts are currently under home isolation and are being monitored by health officials.
“Pursuant to established public health protocols, these contacts have been placed under home isolation and are being monitored daily for any development of symptoms.
This is a preventive measure and does not in any way indicate the presence of new infections,” he said.
The commissioner therefore described the report suggesting “10 more persons with COVID symptoms” as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that no such development has been recorded in the state.
The Cross River State Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and timely dissemination of accurate health information, urging residents to disregard misleading reports and rely only on verified updates from the Ministry of Health.
He also urged residents to continue observing basic preventive measures, adding that there is no cause for panic.
