The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has disclosed that the state is well prepared and ready to tackle the Ebola Virus Disease.
In a statement on Sunday, the commissioner assured residents not to panic, adding that appropriate plans have been put in place to combat the virus in Lagos.
Abayomi, “Lagos State is ready to prevent, detect and respond to potential public health threats.
“Residents and visitors need not panic, because of the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus into the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The public should remain calm and vigilant.”
The commissioner said the Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, is strengthening disease surveillance, risk communication and community engagement.
He said the government was also collaborating with agencies at points of entry, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, to enhance early detection and response to suspected cases.
“There is none now,” he said.
Abayomi said as part of its preparedness efforts, Lagos has conducted a strategic engagement and assessment at MMIA with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders.
According to him, the engagement focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, and coordination of emergency response measures.
He said the government was also intensifying public enlightenment through educational materials on Ebola, its symptoms, transmission and prevention.
The commissioner urged anyone with a fever to undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial medicines in line with Lagos’ fever-management policy.
“Where the test is negative, a healthcare professional should assess other possible causes and determine appropriate treatment.
“Residents are also advised to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick persons, refrain from handling potentially contaminated materials and avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals,” he said.
Abayomi urged travellers arriving in Nigeria, particularly from areas reporting Ebola transmission, 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. Anyone who develops symptoms during travel or after arrival should promptly notify the appropriate health personnel and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
“Airlines and airport operators are expected to sustain established public health protocols, while travellers should consult official advisories from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for current guidance.
“Anyone who suspects exposure to Ebola, especially following contact with a suspected or confirmed case, should promptly 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,” he said.
The commissioner said the government will continue to monitor developments, strengthen surveillance and response readiness, coordinate with relevant stakeholders and provide verified updates as necessary.
“Residents are encouraged to remain calm, practise recommended preventive measures and follow official public health announcements. Early detection and prompt reporting save lives,” Abayomi.
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