Ebola scare: Lagos intensifies surveillance, upgrades isolation centre
The Lagos State Government is enhancing its preparedness in response to the recent confirmation of an imported case of Ebola in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. Officials are assuring residents that the state is equipped to handle any potential threats posed by the disease.
Health Commissioner Akin Abayomi stated that Lagos is maintaining a “high alert” status, emphasizing the government’s prioritization of the situation. “Lagos is a gateway city with constant movement to and from Abuja, and we are treating this as a priority,” he said in a statement on X platform Friday.
Abayomi noted that the state’s Emergency Operations Centre has been proactive in implementing measures related to disease surveillance, isolation, laboratory testing, and infection control.
Response teams are currently conducting simulation exercises to ensure that personnel are prepared to respond effectively when needed. The isolation center has been upgraded, and plans are in place to expand its capacity. Additionally, training on infection prevention is ongoing for healthcare workers across both public and private facilities.
The commissioner highlighted efforts to establish a streamlined laboratory testing process that will yield results within 24 hours. He also mentioned that screening procedures at airports and other entry points are being bolstered in collaboration with federal authorities. Enhancements are being made to digital disease surveillance systems to facilitate the timely detection of suspected cases, contact tracing, and rapid response.
A dedicated Ebola Research Committee is also reviewing the latest scientific evidence regarding treatments and vaccines to guide the state’s response. As part of preventive measures, Abayomi urged residents to practice regular handwashing with soap and water and to avoid contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals.
He advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding, or who suspects exposure to the disease, to refrain from self-medication and to seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility. “If you develop fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding, or think you have been exposed, do not self-medicate. Call before visiting a health facility,” Abayomi stated.
The commissioner underscored the importance of vigilance among healthcare workers, urging them to gather patients’ travel histories where relevant and to use appropriate personal protective equipment when attending to suspected cases.
Residents who suspect they may be infected or have been exposed to Ebola are encouraged to contact the Lagos emergency numbers 112 or 767, or reach the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health at 0802 316 9485. Abayomi called on residents to remain calm, exercise caution, and seek information exclusively from official communications issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
