By Destiny Obinna
The Lagos State Government has intensified surveillance at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Abuja, assuring residents that no suspected case has been reported in the state.
The government urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, warning them to promptly report possible exposure and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with Ebola.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, saying the state was strengthening disease surveillance, public enlightenment and coordination with relevant agencies to improve early detection and response.
According to the statement, the ministry’s Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health has conducted an assessment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in collaboration with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders.
The exercise focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, and emergency response coordination.
“Lagos State is ready to prevent, detect and respond to potential public health threats,” the statement said.
The government explained that Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected people showing symptoms, contaminated materials, or the bodies of people who have died from the disease. Contact with infected animals may also transmit the infection.
Symptoms include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, while unexplained bleeding or bruising may occur in some cases.
The ministry said symptoms could develop between two and 21 days after exposure, noting that early signs might resemble malaria and other common illnesses.
It advised residents 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.
Travellers arriving from areas reporting Ebola transmission were urged to cooperate with Port Health Services, provide accurate information when requested and follow official public health guidance.
The government also advised anyone who suspects exposure to Ebola to contact public health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility.
Residents can report suspected cases or relevant exposure concerns through the state emergency numbers, 112 or 767, or contact the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.
The government said it would continue to monitor developments, strengthen preparedness and provide verified updates, urging residents to avoid rumours and adhere to recommended preventive measures.
It stressed that prompt reporting and early detection were essential to saving lives.
