From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State has recorded a significant public health milestone following the successful treatment and discharge of its only confirmed COVID-19 case.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed that the lone case was confirmed on April 16, 2026, by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) isolation centre.
According to him, the state government immediately activated its public health emergency response mechanisms, including the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
He explained that the response, carried out in collaboration with key partners such as the World Health Organization and the NCDC, involved extensive contact tracing, line-listing of exposed persons, clinical monitoring, as well as sample collection and testing.
Dr. Ayuk noted that all identified contacts were closely monitored and none developed symptoms or tested positive for the virus.
“I am pleased to report that Cross River State is COVID-19 free. On May 1, 2026, the index and only patient was discharged in excellent health with a negative COVID-19 test result,” he said.
The commissioner reassured residents that the State Public Health Department and the Emergency Operations Centre remain on high alert to promptly detect and respond to any public health threat.
He expressed appreciation to development partners and institutions that supported the response, including UCTH, the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, and others.
Dr. Ayuk also commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for providing the political will and resources that ensured effective management of the case.