Cross River State, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk.
By Kingsley Agim
The Cross River State Government has reassured residents that the state remains free of cerebrospinal meningitis, dismissing recent rumours of an outbreak and urging the public to remain calm while relying on verified health information.
January 11, a family in Calabar had buried their 19 year old daughter said to have died of Meningitis on December 30, last year at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) after some period of illness.
A family member to the girl, said, “the issue started as a mere headache and they started treating malaria, until it became questionable as she was not responding to treatment”.
The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Arit Iso, a teacher, said they first took the child to Bakor Specialist Hospital along the Highway and was referred to UCTH , where the true cause of the sickness was diagnosed.
“The body had developed resistant to other treatments before then and all medications at the UCTH did not make any impact on the child’s health and she gave up the ghost on December 30, 2025. She was diagnosed with meningitis”, the mother said.
The lady said some patients in the UCTH had also alleged that, doctor told them that about five patients were suspected of meningitis and her daughter’s case was about the 6th case and were all critical.
Speaking in response to media inquiries over alleged cases, including reports linked to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, stated categorically that there is no epidemic or confirmed case of cerebrospinal meningitis anywhere in the state.
Dr. Ayuk explained that cerebrospinal meningitis, which is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections and often affects children in crowded settings, presents with symptoms such as high fever, body weakness and stiffness, and can be fatal if not promptly treated. He noted that the Ministry of Health immediately stepped up investigations following the circulation of unverified reports.
According to the commissioner, all samples collected from suspected or presumptive cases have returned negative, affirming that Cross River State remains meningitis-free. “There is certainly no evidence of cerebrospinal meningitis in Cross River State,” he stressed.
While giving the assurance, Dr. Ayuk said the state has maintained a high level of preparedness to respond to any public health emergency. He disclosed that disease surveillance teams are on alert across health facilities and communities, carrying out active case searches for early detection and prompt reporting.
He added that health promotion teams have intensified sensitization of caregivers, clinicians and community members on the signs of meningitis and the importance of early presentation at health facilities.
The commissioner urged residents to disregard rumours capable of causing panic and to continue cooperating with health authorities by reporting any unusual symptoms through appropriate channels.
The assurance, he said, reflects the state government’s commitment to protecting public health through proactive surveillance, transparency and sustained investment in disease prevention and response.
