Cross River State has been declared free of COVID-19 following the successful treatment and discharge of its only confirmed case, state health authorities have announced.

The Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the case was confirmed on April 16, 2026, by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital isolation centre.

Ayuk said the state government immediately activated its public health emergency response through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to contain the virus and prevent further transmission.

He explained that the response, carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the NCDC, included extensive contact tracing, line-listing of exposed persons, clinical monitoring, as well as sample collection and testing.

According to him, all identified contacts were closely monitored, and none developed symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19.

“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 test result,” Ayuk said.

He assured residents that the State Public Health Department and the EOC remain on alert to promptly detect and respond to any public health threats.

The commissioner also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the NCDC, the WHO, and UNICEF.

Ayuk commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for providing the leadership and resources that facilitated the effective containment of the case. (TRIBUNE)