Akwa Ibom heightens COVID-19 surveillance over Cross River outbreak
The Akwa Ibom State Government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance measures following the confirmation of a fresh outbreak in neighbouring Cross River State.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Monday, as authorities moved swiftly to prevent any potential spread into the state.
Dr. Emmanuel said the decision was taken after Governor Umo Eno directed the Ministry of Health to intensify monitoring efforts across the state’s entry points, healthcare facilities, and communities.
According to the commissioner, disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams have been placed on high alert to ensure early detection and prompt management of any suspected COVID-19 cases. He emphasised that the proactive steps are necessary given Akwa Ibom’s close geographic and socio-economic ties with neighbouring states, including Cross River.
The government also reiterated its readiness to respond effectively to any potential outbreak, noting that lessons learned from previous waves of the pandemic have strengthened the state’s public health systems.
Public advised to remain vigilant
As part of its response, the state government urged residents to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to established public health guidelines. These include regular handwashing with soap and water, the use of alcohol-based sanitisers, and wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed environments.
Residents were further advised to avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing, and to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms arise.
Healthcare workers across the state have also been instructed to maintain a high index of suspicion and comply with infection prevention and control protocols to minimise risks within medical facilities.
Link to Cross River COVID-19 case
The heightened alert in Akwa Ibom follows recent confirmation of a COVID-19 case in Cross River State, where authorities reported that a foreign national tested positive after developing symptoms weeks after arrival.
Health officials in Cross River have since activated containment measures, including isolation, contact tracing, and increased surveillance in affected areas, while assuring the public that the situation remains under control.
READ MORE: Cross River govt confirms fresh COVID-19 case
The proximity between the two states—both located in Nigeria’s South-South region—has heightened concerns about possible cross-border transmission, especially given the regular movement of people for economic and social activities.
Despite the increased alert, the Akwa Ibom government clarified that, as of the latest update on April 27, 2026, no confirmed case of COVID-19 has been recorded in the state. Officials stressed that the surveillance measures are precautionary and aimed at preventing any outbreak.
Dr. Emmanuel reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, stating that early detection remains critical in managing infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
Broader public health context
Nigeria, like many countries, has seen a significant decline in COVID-19 cases since the peak of the global pandemic. However, health experts continue to warn that isolated cases and outbreaks remain possible due to international travel and lingering transmission risks.
The response by Akwa Ibom authorities reflects a broader strategy of vigilance and preparedness, particularly in border states where the risk of transmission from neighbouring regions may be higher.
Health authorities in Akwa Ibom are maintaining heightened surveillance while monitoring developments in Cross River and other parts of the country. The government has called for public cooperation, emphasising that adherence to preventive measures remains the most effective way to curb the spread of the virus.
With no confirmed cases currently reported in the state, officials say the focus remains on prevention, rapid response, and sustained public awareness to ensure that any potential threat is contained before it escalates.
