The Lagos State Government has strengthened its preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following the reported confirmation of an index case in Abuja, upgrading its isolation centre and working to ensure that laboratory test results are available within 24 hours.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed relevant government agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that necessary measures were in place to prevent the spread of the disease.
Abayomi said the government was treating the situation as a priority because of the frequent movement of people between Lagos and Abuja, which makes effective surveillance and rapid response essential.
According to him, the state’s Emergency Operations Centre had already begun preparatory activities before the reported confirmation of the case. These activities include simulation exercises to ensure that emergency response teams understand their responsibilities and can respond effectively to any suspected Ebola case.
The commissioner explained that the state had upgraded its isolation centre and was working to expand its capacity to accommodate additional patients if necessary.
He added that training programmes for healthcare workers in both public and private medical facilities were ongoing, with particular emphasis on infection prevention and control to reduce the risk of transmission within healthcare settings.
Abayomi also disclosed that the government was establishing a more efficient laboratory testing process to ensure that suspected cases could be investigated quickly.
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“Our isolation centre has been upgraded, and additional capacity is ongoing,” he said.
“We are defining a clear pathway from sample to result, targeting results within 24 hours.”
The commissioner further revealed that a dedicated Ebola Research Committee had been established to review the latest scientific evidence on available treatments and vaccines. The committee’s findings are expected to guide the state’s preparedness measures and response strategies.
He said the government was also strengthening screening procedures at airports and other points of entry in collaboration with relevant federal authorities.
In addition, disease surveillance systems are being enhanced digitally through the Surveillance, Health Information and Public Health Intelligence (SHIP) platform to improve the identification of suspected cases, contact tracing and real-time response to possible infections.
The commissioner stressed that early detection and prompt reporting would be critical to preventing the spread of the disease, urging residents to observe basic hygiene practices and follow public health guidelines.
He advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone suspected of being infected.
Abayomi also listed fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding among the symptoms that should raise concern, particularly in individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
He warned people experiencing such symptoms or suspecting possible exposure against self-medication. Instead, they should contact health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility to reduce the risk of exposing others.
Healthcare workers were equally urged to maintain a high level of suspicion when attending to patients, obtain relevant travel histories and use appropriate personal protective equipment when managing suspected cases.
To strengthen public participation in disease surveillance, the government asked residents to report suspected Ebola cases or possible exposure through the Lagos State emergency telephone numbers, 112 and 767, or contact the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.
The commissioner urged Lagos residents to remain calm and vigilant, adding that they should rely on verified information from the Lagos State Ministry of Health rather than unconfirmed reports.
The state government said its ongoing measures were aimed at improving early detection, strengthening emergency response capacity and protecting residents against a potential Ebola outbreak.
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