The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reassured Nigerians that there is no evidence of widespread transmission following the confirmation of a fresh case of COVID-19 in Cross River State.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Jide Idris, the agency said all identified contacts linked to the case are being closely monitored and managed in line with established public health protocols.
The new case was earlier confirmed by the Cross River State Government, marking a rare occurrence years after the World Health Organization declared an end to the global emergency phase of the pandemic.
According to the State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, the index case involves a foreign national who arrived in Nigeria in March and later developed symptoms. The patient has since been isolated and is reportedly stable, responding well to treatment.
The NCDC noted that response measures have been fully activated, including contact tracing, enhanced surveillance, and infection prevention and control efforts in collaboration with state health authorities and partners.
While urging calm, the agency advised Nigerians to continue observing basic hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, proper respiratory etiquette, and seeking prompt medical attention when experiencing symptoms.
The development comes years after the global COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in 2019, disrupted economies and claimed millions of lives worldwide. In Nigeria alone, the outbreak resulted in over 266,000 confirmed cases and more than 3,000 deaths at its peak.
Health authorities maintain that the situation is under control, emphasizing vigilance without panic as routine monitoring continues across the country.
