The Lagos State Government has intensified disease surveillance and preparedness measures after confirming an imported case of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus in Abuja and has assured residents that it has not detected any suspected cases in the state.
The Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi said the state was strengthening surveillance public awareness and collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure early detection and a prompt response to any suspected case.
In a statement Abayomi said the Ministry of Health conducted an assessment and held strategic engagements with airport management Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.
He said the engagement focused on passenger screening information sharing infection prevention and control and coordination of emergency response measures.
The ministry is also intensifying public enlightenment on the symptoms transmission and prevention of Ebola Virus Disease.
Abayomi urged residents to remain calm but vigilant warning that Ebola is a severe disease that can be fatal.
He said the virus spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected people showing symptoms contaminated materials and the bodies of people who have died from the disease. Transmission may also occur through contact with infected animals.
Symptoms according to the commissioner may appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever severe weakness headache muscle pain sore throat vomiting diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising may also occur.
He advised people who develop symptoms particularly after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission to seek prompt medical assessment.
The commissioner noted that early Ebola symptoms could resemble malaria and other common illnesses urging residents to avoid self-medication.
He added that under Lagos State’s fever-management policy people with fever should undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial drugs. Healthcare professionals should assess those who test negative for other possible causes.
Residents were also advised to wash their hands regularly avoid contact with sick people’s body fluids and potentially contaminated materials and stay away from sick or dead wild animals.
Abayomi urged travellers arriving in Nigeria particularly those from areas reporting Ebola transmission to cooperate with Port Health Services provide accurate travel and health information when requested and comply with public health guidance.
He advised anyone suspecting exposure to the virus to contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
Residents can report suspected cases or exposure concerns via the state’s emergency numbers 112 or 767 or contact the Directorate of Epidemiology Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.
The commissioner said the government would continue to monitor developments strengthen its response capacity and provide updates as necessary.