The Lagos State Government has reassured residents that there is no confirmed or suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease in the state despite the ongoing outbreak reported in parts of Central and East Africa.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the state had activated its biosecurity and disease surveillance systems to prevent any possible outbreak in Lagos.
According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed all relevant health agencies to strengthen monitoring, preparedness and rapid response mechanisms as global concern grows over the outbreak in Congo and Uganda.
Prof. Abayomi explained that the state’s emergency response structure, developed from lessons learnt during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, remains fully operational and capable of containing infectious disease threats.
He noted that the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre is maintaining round-the-clock disease surveillance through trained epidemiologists and rapid response teams deployed across the state.
The commissioner added that the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba has sustained a high level of readiness with isolation facilities, intensive care units and specialised personnel prepared to manage suspected cases if necessary.
He also disclosed that the state’s Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility is carrying out enhanced surveillance and collaborating with national and international public health institutions for prompt detection of high-risk pathogens.
As part of preventive measures, Lagos State is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Port Health Services to intensify screening at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and other entry points.
Prof. Abayomi said flights arriving from affected countries in East and Central Africa are receiving increased public health attention to ensure early detection and risk mitigation.
He further stated that Community Health Workers, Community Development Associations and Civil Society Organisations have been integrated into the state’s disease surveillance network to improve early warning and prompt reporting at the grassroots.
The commissioner assured residents that emergency medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and other essential materials, had been strategically positioned across the state to support swift response operations.
While urging residents to remain calm, Prof. Abayomi advised anyone with recent travel history to affected countries or contact with persons returning from those areas to promptly report to health authorities if they develop symptoms or health concerns.
Residents were encouraged to contact emergency numbers 767 and 112, or the Lagos State Ministry of Health for further information and assistance.