The Lagos State Government has stepped up Ebola surveillance at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and strengthened emergency response measures following the confirmation of an imported case of the Bundibugyo strain in Abuja.
The state government said there was no confirmed Ebola case in Lagos, urging residents and visitors to remain calm while observing recommended preventive measures.
The Ministry of Health, through its Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, is strengthening disease surveillance, public awareness and collaboration with agencies operating at points of entry to improve the early detection of suspected cases.
As part of the measures, the state conducted an assessment and strategic 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 ministry is also intensifying public education on Ebola symptoms, transmission and prevention.
Ebola is a severe disease that can be fatal. It spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person showing symptoms, contaminated materials or the bodies of people who have died from the disease. Contact with infected animals can also lead to infection.
Symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Some patients may also experience unexplained bleeding or bruising.
The government advised residents who develop symptoms, particularly after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission, to seek prompt medical assessment.
It also urged people with fever to undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial medicines. Those who test negative should be assessed by a healthcare professional for other possible causes of the illness.
Residents were advised to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people and stay away from potentially contaminated materials and 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 comply with official public health guidance.
Anyone who develops symptoms during travel or after arrival should notify the appropriate health personnel promptly and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The state government said anyone who suspects exposure to Ebola, especially following contact with a suspected or confirmed case, should contact public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
Suspected cases and exposure concerns in Lagos can be reported through the state emergency numbers, 112 or 767, or the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.
The government said it would continue to monitor developments, strengthen surveillance and coordinate with relevant agencies, urging residents to rely on verified information and official public health announcements.
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