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The Lagos State Government has said it is strengthening measures to prevent, detect and respond to potential public health threats following the confirmation of Nigeria’s first case of the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory.
The government urged residents and visitors to remain calm, saying there was no suspected Ebola case in Lagos at the time of its announcement.
It said the Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, was intensifying disease surveillance, risk communication and community engagement.
The state is also strengthening collaboration with relevant agencies at points of entry, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), to improve the early detection of suspected cases and ensure a prompt response.
As part of its preparedness measures, the government said it had conducted a strategic engagement and assessment at MMIA with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders.
The engagement focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, and coordination of emergency response measures.
The state government added that the Ministry of Health was intensifying public awareness campaigns through educational materials explaining Ebola, its symptoms, transmission and prevention.
“Ebola Virus Disease is a severe illness that can be fatal. It spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, contaminated materials, or the bodies of people who have died from the disease,” the government stated.
It added that infection could also occur through contact with infected animals, advising residents to avoid potentially infectious materials and rely on verified information rather than rumours or speculation.
The government said Ebola symptoms could develop between two and 21 days after exposure, including fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising could also occur in some cases.
“As early symptoms can resemble malaria and other common illnesses, residents who become unwell, particularly after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission, should seek prompt medical assessment,” it added.
The government further advised residents with fever to undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial medicines, in line with Lagos State’s fever-management policy.
“Where the test is negative, a healthcare professional should assess other possible causes and determine appropriate treatment,” it said.
It also urged residents to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people, refrain from handling potentially contaminated materials and stay away from sick or dead wild animals.
Travellers arriving in Nigeria, particularly from areas reporting Ebola transmission, were advised to cooperate with Port Health Services and other authorised officials, provide accurate travel and health information when requested, and comply with applicable public health guidance.
The government said anyone who developed symptoms during travel or after arrival should promptly notify the appropriate health personnel and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
It also urged airlines and airport operators to maintain established public health protocols. Travellers were advised to consult official advisories from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the latest guidance.
The state government advised anyone who suspected exposure to Ebola, particularly following contact with a suspected or confirmed case, to contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
“Suspected cases or relevant exposure concerns in Lagos may be reported through the State’s emergency numbers, 112 or 767, or to the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, on 0802 316 9485,” it said.
The government assured residents that it would continue to monitor developments, strengthen disease surveillance and response readiness, coordinate with relevant stakeholders and provide verified updates when necessary.
It urged residents to remain calm, practise recommended preventive measures and follow official public health announcements, stressing that early detection and prompt reporting could save lives.
