The Lagos State Government has assured residents that there is no cause for alarm regarding the evolving Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Central and East Africa. Officials confirmed that the state’s robust and tested biosecurity architecture remains fully activated to detect, contain, and respond rapidly to any potential biological threat.
Following direct orders from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state is closely monitoring the international situation. The outbreak, which has recorded approximately 177 deaths from nearly 700 suspected cases, is currently confined to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to geographic challenges in the affected regions.
State Government Declares Zero Ebola Cases in Lagos
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reassured the public that no case suggestive of Ebola has been identified within the state. He emphasized that Lagos has spent years building a resilient, year-round preparedness system designed to combat high-consequence infectious diseases like Ebola, Lassa Fever, and Influenza.
“The Lagos Biosecurity Bio-shield was built to protect and remains ready to respond to biological shocks. Preparedness for us is not a temporary reaction; it is a permanent culture embedded within our health system,” Prof. Abayomi stated. “The State’s preparedness framework was first rigorously tested during the Ebola outbreak and significantly strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
24/7 Surveillance and Emergency Command Activated
The state’s readiness framework relies on the Lagos State Incident Command System (ICS), led directly by Governor Sanwo-Olu. This system allows for the swift mobilization of government resources and ensures seamless executive coordination during public health emergencies.
Additionally, the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is operating around the clock. A dedicated network of highly trained epidemiologists and disease surveillance specialists is actively gathering real-time public health intelligence to ensure rapid outbreak investigation and containment if necessary.
Isolation Centres and Bio-Labs Placed on High Alert
As part of the active countermeasures, the Lagos Mainland Hospital (Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH) in Yaba is maintaining a strict state of readiness. The facility is equipped with dedicated triage systems, intensive care facilities, and isolation infrastructure designed to manage infectious cases across varying levels of severity.
Furthermore, the Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility located within the IDH has transitioned to enhanced surveillance operations. The laboratory is working in real-time to diagnose and monitor high-risk pathogens while collaborating with public health laboratories both nationally and internationally.
Airport Screening and Border Control Tightened
Lagos State has strengthened its partnership with Port Health Authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, as well as various land and sea entry points. This collaborative effort involves the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
As a precautionary measure, all flights arriving from East and Central Africa are receiving heightened public health scrutiny. This targeted screening is designed to bolster early detection and mitigate the risk of cross-border transmission.
Community Network and Emergency Emergency Lines Open
The state has integrated Community Health Workers (CHWs), Community Development Associations (CDAs), and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) into its early warning network to ensure timely information flow from local communities to health command centres. Strategic stockpiles of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), gloves, and sanitizers have also been pre-positioned across key locations, backed by deployed ambulance services.
“Our focus remains firmly on prevention, early detection, prompt reporting and swift multi-sectoral response. Lagos remains vigilant, organized and safe,” Abayomi added.
The Ministry of Health advises anyone who recently traveled to the Congo or Uganda, or who has been in close contact with returnees and feels unwell, to seek medical guidance immediately. Residents can report suspected symptoms or request information by calling the emergency numbers 767 or 112, or by contacting the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health at 08023169485.
Share this
