C’River slams media outlets over fake COVID-19 report 

…only one case detected, no new symptomatic infections – Commissioner 

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

Cross River State Government has described reports on some media platforms as misleading, claiming the state identified “10 more persons with COVID symptoms,” insisting it has only one confirmed case.

In a statement on Thursday, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, debunked the fake news rippling across media houses, calling it “inaccurate and misleading.”

The ministry drew attention to newspaper publications of April 23, not Vanguard, which falsely painted 10 contacts of the index case as new symptomatic infections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Cross River State currently has only one (1) confirmed case of COVID-19. As clearly communicated during the press briefing held in Calabar on April 21, 2026, there are no additional confirmed cases in the state as of today,” Ayuk affirmed.

He clarified that the 10 individuals are mere contacts under proactive tracing—not suspected or confirmed cases—none showing symptoms.

“For clarity, contacts are individuals who have had close interaction with a confirmed case. Suspected cases are individuals showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Confirmed cases are individuals who have tested positive through laboratory diagnosis,” Ayuk said.

Ayuk stressed they’re in home isolation for daily monitoring as a precaution, not evidence of new infections.

“It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to suggest that Cross River State has identified ‘10 more persons with COVID symptoms,’ as reported. No such development has been recorded.

The Cross River State Government remains transparent and committed to promptly informing the public of any changes in the COVID-19 status.

“Citizens are advised to disregard misleading reports and rely only on verified updates from the Ministry of Health.

“While we continue to urge residents to maintain basic preventive measures, there is no cause for panic,” he assured.