Lagos State Government has strengthened public health surveillance and emergency preparedness following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, assuring residents that no case has been confirmed in the state.
The government urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and adhere to preventive measures while public health authorities continue to monitor developments.
In a statement signed by Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, the government said the State Ministry of Health was intensifying surveillance, risk communication and collaboration with relevant agencies to prevent, detect and respond to potential public health threats.
Lagos Strengthens Airport Surveillance
The ministry, through the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, is working with relevant agencies at points of entry, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), to strengthen preparedness.
According to the statement, recent engagements with airport and public health stakeholders focused on passenger screening, infection prevention and control, information sharing, and emergency response coordination.
The government said it would continue to monitor developments and provide residents with verified public health information.
How Ebola Spreads and Its Symptoms
The government explained that Ebola is a severe illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person showing symptoms, contaminated materials, infected animals or the bodies of people who have died from the disease.
Symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Residents were advised to practise regular handwashing, avoid contact with potentially infectious materials and rely on verified information from public health authorities.
Residents Advised on Fever Management
The government also reminded residents to follow Lagos State’s fever-management policy by taking a malaria rapid diagnostic test before using antimalarial medicines.
Anyone who suspects exposure to Ebola or develops symptoms after possible exposure should contact public health authorities promptly and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
Travellers were also advised to cooperate with Port Health Services and comply with official public health advisories.
Where to Report Suspected Ebola Cases in Lagos
Residents who suspect possible Ebola exposure or have concerns about a suspected case can contact the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, on 0802 316 9485.
They can also reach the state’s emergency services through 112 or 767.
The government reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation and providing verified updates, urging residents to observe preventive measures and report concerns promptly.
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