The Lagos State Government has intensified disease surveillance and public health preparedness following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola virus disease from Bundibugyo into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The government reassured residents and visitors that there is no need to panic, urging the public to remain calm, vigilant and committed to preventive measures as the state strengthens its capacity to detect and respond to potential cases.
According to the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, is enhancing disease surveillance, public awareness campaigns and community engagement to minimise the risk of an outbreak.
The government disclosed that it is also collaborating with relevant agencies at points of entry, particularly the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), to improve early detection and ensure a coordinated response to suspected cases. It stated that no suspected case had been identified in Lagos at the time of the announcement.
As part of its preparedness strategy, the ministry recently conducted an engagement and assessment exercise at the international airport involving airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders.
The exercise focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, as well as strengthening coordination for emergency response.
The government also said it was intensifying public enlightenment through educational materials explaining Ebola’s symptoms, methods of transmission and preventive measures.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and potentially fatal illness that spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected people showing symptoms, contaminated materials or the bodies of people who have died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with infected animals.
Residents have been advised to avoid contact with potentially infectious materials and obtain information only from verified sources to prevent the spread of rumours.
Symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
The state government urged anyone experiencing concerning symptoms after a possible exposure to seek prompt medical attention and follow official public health guidance.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through vigilance, preparedness and timely intervention.
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