• The Cross River State government has denied reports of 10 new COVID-19 cases with only one confirmed case currently recorded in the state
• The government stated that the reported individuals are contacts and not symptomatic patients and affected individuals are under home isolation and daily monitoring
• The government urged residents to ignore misinformation, remain calm and follow preventive measures

The Cross River State Government has refuted claims of 10 new symptomatic COVID-19 cases, describing the report as misleading and inaccurate, and reaffirming that only one confirmed case exists in the state.

The clarification comes after a national daily reported that additional individuals were showing symptoms of COVID-19, sparking fears among residents about a possible resurgence of the virus across communities.

It would be recalled that Dr. Henry Ayuk, the State Commissioner for Health, had earlier confirmed a COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working in the state.

The patient is currently receiving treatment and is said to be responding well.

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 23, in Calabar, Ayuk clarified that as of April 23, 2026, Cross River State had recorded only one confirmed COVID-19 case, with no new confirmed or suspected infections.

He explained that the 10 individuals mentioned in the report were identified through contact tracing linked to the single confirmed case, noting that such measures are standard protocol in public health management.

According to him, the individuals are not showing symptoms and do not qualify as suspected cases.

He added that they are currently under home isolation and are being monitored daily by health officials.

Ayuk emphasised that the isolation is purely precautionary and should not be misconstrued as evidence of new infections, reiterating that the state has not recorded any additional COVID-19 cases.

He urged residents to ignore misinformation and rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and timely dissemination of accurate information.

Ayuk added that residents should remain calm, adhere to recommended preventive measures, and continue supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases across the state.

NCDC issues public advisory on Lassa fever following doctor’s death after UK trip

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had issued a new public advisory on Lassa fever in light of the death of a 31-year-old physician from Ondo State, who succumbed to the disease shortly after returning from the United Kingdom.

The NCDC also noted that, as of March 2, 2025, there have been 535 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 98 deaths out of 2,728 suspected cases in 14 states throughout Nigeria.