Lagos Government on High Alert for Ebola Case

The Lagos State government says it is ready to respond after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said Lagos is on high alert and is treating this situation seriously.

"Lagos is a gateway city with constant movement to and from Abuja, and we are treating this as a priority," Mr Abayomi said in a statement on X on Friday.

He mentioned that the state’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) began preparations before the confirmation. Measures are being put in place for surveillance, isolation, laboratory testing, and infection control.

Mr Abayomi noted that response teams are carrying out simulation exercises. This is to ensure that everyone knows their roles when the time comes.

The commissioner added that the state’s isolation centre has been improved and more capacity is being added. Training on infection control is ongoing for health workers in public and private hospitals.

He explained that Lagos is also creating a clear pathway for laboratory testing, aiming to get results within 24 hours.

Screening at airports and other entry points is being strengthened with help from federal authorities. The state’s digital health platform is enhancing disease surveillance for faster detection and response.

A dedicated Ebola Research Committee is reviewing the latest information on treatment and vaccines to help guide the state’s decisions.

The commissioner encouraged residents to regularly wash their hands with soap and water. He also advised against contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone who is sick.

Anyone who has fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding should not self-medicate.

"If you develop fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or think you have been exposed, do not self-medicate. Call before visiting a health facility," he said.

Mr Abayomi also urged health workers to stay alert, ask about patients’ travel history, and wear the right protective gear.

Residents can report suspected cases or possible exposure by calling Lagos emergency numbers, 112 or 767, or the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health at 0802 316 9485.

The commissioner asked residents to remain calm, stay alert, and trust official information from the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

The government’s readiness comes after Lagos faced challenges during Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak.

Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian diplomat infected with Ebola, arrived in Lagos on 20 July 2014. He was taken to a private hospital where the disease was confirmed.

During that outbreak, Nigeria reported 20 Ebola cases, including eight deaths, before being declared free of Ebola transmission on 20 October 2014 after 42 days without a new case.