The Lagos State Government has intensified disease surveillance and preparedness measures following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The state government said it had no suspected Ebola cases in Lagos at the time of its announcement, urging residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and report possible exposure promptly.
In a press statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government said it was strengthening surveillance, public communication and community engagement through its Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health.
It said it was also working with agencies at points of entry, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, to support early detection and response to suspected cases.
As part of the preparedness measures, the ministry conducted an assessment and engagement with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders. Discussions focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, and coordination of emergency responses.
The state government said it was expanding public awareness efforts to educate residents about Ebola symptoms, transmission and prevention.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that can be fatal. According to the ministry, transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, contaminated materials, or the body of someone who has died from the disease. Infection may also occur through contact with infected animals.
Symptoms can 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 occur in some cases.
The ministry warned that early symptoms can resemble malaria and other common illnesses, advising anyone who becomes unwell after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission to seek prompt medical assessment.
Under Lagos State’s fever-management policy, people with fever are advised to undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial medicines. Where the result is negative, a healthcare professional should assess other possible causes and determine the appropriate treatment.
The government also urged residents to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people and refrain from handling potentially contaminated materials or touching sick or dead wild animals.
Travellers arriving in Nigeria, particularly from areas reporting Ebola transmission, were urged to cooperate with Port Health Services, provide accurate travel and health information when requested, and follow official public health guidance.
The ministry advised anyone who develops symptoms during travel or after arrival to notify appropriate health personnel promptly and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
Residents who suspect they have been exposed to Ebola, especially through contact with a suspected or confirmed case, were advised to contact public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
The state government listed 112 and 767 as emergency numbers for reporting concerns in Lagos. It also provided the number 0802 316 9485 for the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
The government said it would continue to monitor developments, strengthen surveillance and coordinate with relevant agencies, while providing updates as necessary. It urged residents to rely on official announcements rather than rumours.