The Lagos State Government says it has activated heightened preparedness measures to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, following confirmation of an index case in Abuja.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said the government was strengthening surveillance, laboratory testing, isolation facilities and emergency response systems in view of the frequent movement of people between Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement, Abayomi said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed relevant agencies to remain on high alert and ensure the state was prepared to respond swiftly to any suspected case.
According to him, Lagos’ Emergency Operations Centre has been working ahead of the latest development, with response teams conducting simulations to ensure personnel understand their responsibilities during an outbreak.
He said the state had also upgraded its isolation centre, while additional capacity was being developed to accommodate potential cases.
The commissioner added that health workers in public and private facilities were receiving continuous training on infection prevention and control.
On laboratory capacity, Abayomi said the government was establishing a clear process for handling samples and delivering results, with a target of completing tests within 24 hours.
He also disclosed that a dedicated Ebola Research Committee had been set up to review the latest evidence on available treatments and vaccines to guide the state’s response.
Abayomi said the government was working with federal authorities to strengthen screening at airports and other points of entry, while disease surveillance was being enhanced digitally through the State Health Information Platform, SHIP, to support real-time detection, contact tracing and response.
The commissioner urged residents to maintain good hygiene, wash their hands regularly with soap and water, and avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of people who are ill.
He advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or who believes they may have been exposed to the virus, to avoid self-medication and call health authorities before visiting a health facility.
Abayomi also urged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, obtain patients’ travel histories where appropriate and use personal protective equipment.
Residents were advised to report suspected cases or possible exposure through the following emergency contacts: 112 or 767: Lagos State emergency numbers; 0802 316 9485: Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health.
“Do not panic. Stay calm, stay alert, and rely only on official information from the Lagos State Ministry of Health,” the commissioner said.
