Ebola scare: Lagos intensifies surveillance, upgrades isolation centre

The Lagos State Government has intensified its preparedness efforts following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, assuring residents that the state is ready to respond to any potential threat.

The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said Lagos remained on “high alert and preparedness,” stressing that the government was treating the development as a priority.

“Lagos is a gateway city with constant movement to and from Abuja, and we are treating this as a priority,” Abayomi said in a statement posted on X on Friday.

He explained that the state’s Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, had been working proactively, with measures covering disease surveillance, isolation, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control.

According to the commissioner, response teams are carrying out simulation exercises to ensure that relevant personnel understand their responsibilities and are ready to act when necessary.

He added that the state’s isolation centre had been upgraded, while efforts were underway to expand its capacity. Training on infection prevention and control is also continuing for healthcare workers in both public and private medical facilities.

Abayomi said the government was establishing a streamlined laboratory testing process designed to deliver results within 24 hours.

He noted that screening procedures at airports and other points of entry were being strengthened in partnership with federal authorities. The state is also upgrading digital disease surveillance to enable the timely detection of suspected cases, contact tracing and rapid response.

The commissioner further disclosed that a dedicated Ebola Research Committee was reviewing the latest scientific evidence on available treatments and vaccines to inform the state’s response.

As part of preventive measures, he urged residents to practise regular handwashing with soap and water and avoid contact with the blood or other body fluids of sick people.

Abayomi advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or who suspects possible exposure to the disease, to avoid self-medication and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

“If you develop fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or think you have been exposed, do not self-medicate. Call before visiting a health facility,” he said.

He also urged healthcare workers to remain vigilant, obtain patients’ travel histories where appropriate and use suitable personal protective equipment when attending to suspected cases.

Residents who suspect an Ebola infection or believe they may have been exposed can contact the Lagos emergency numbers, 112 or 767, or reach the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.

Abayomi called on residents to remain calm, exercise caution and obtain information about the situation only from official communications issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health.