The Government of Cross River State has moved to dismiss a new COVID-19 cases report that claimed multiple infections in the state, clarifying that only one confirmed case currently exists. Authorities said the new COVID-19 cases report was misleading and urged residents to rely on verified updates from health officials.
The clarification follows recent confirmation of a COVID-19 case in Cross River involving a foreign national, which prompted activation of public health response measures. Health authorities had earlier announced that the case was the first recorded in the state since 2022, triggering contact tracing and monitoring protocols.
The emergence of the case led to heightened public attention and concerns about a possible resurgence of infections. This environment contributed to the circulation of reports suggesting additional cases beyond what had been officially confirmed.
The state government, through the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, dismissed claims that 10 new COVID-19 cases had been recorded, describing the report as inaccurate. He stated that, as of April 23, 2026, only one confirmed case exists in the state.
Ayuk explained that the individuals referenced in the new COVID-19 cases report were not confirmed patients but contacts traced from the single case. He noted that contact tracing remains a standard public health response aimed at preventing further spread of infection.
According to him, the traced individuals are not symptomatic and do not meet the criteria for suspected COVID-19 cases. They are currently under home isolation and are being monitored daily by health officials as a precautionary measure.
He emphasised that the isolation of these individuals should not be interpreted as evidence of additional infections, reiterating that no new confirmed or suspected cases have been recorded beyond the index case. The commissioner urged residents to disregard misinformation and rely on official communication channels for updates on the state’s COVID-19 status.
The dismissal of the new COVID-19 cases report highlights the role of accurate information in managing public health responses. Misleading reports can trigger unnecessary panic and undermine confidence in official containment efforts.
Health authorities’ clarification reinforces the importance of contact tracing as a preventive measure rather than an indication of new infections. It also underscores the need for continuous public communication to maintain awareness without causing alarm. For residents, the update provides reassurance that the situation remains under control, while still emphasising the need for vigilance and adherence to health guidelines.
