By Chidimma Oparaochaekwe
The Lagos State Government, through Health District III, has urged residents of Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe to report suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) promptly to the appropriate health authorities and avoid spreading unverified information, stressing that community cooperation is critical to preventing a potential outbreak.
The Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, gave the warning in a statement issued on Wednesday, following the Federal Government’s confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
She cautioned that Ebola is a serious disease caused by orthoebolaviruses and can lead to severe illness and death if not managed promptly.
Adeleke explained that the disease spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit and other bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.
She warned residents against contact with suspected or confirmed cases, dead bodies and wild animals, including bats and monkeys, which could transmit the virus. She also advised against consuming undercooked meat.
The Permanent Secretary urged residents to maintain good personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly with soap and water, and use hand sanitisers where appropriate to reduce the risk of infection.
She said Health District III was proactively sensitising communities and working with relevant agencies to strengthen disease surveillance, public awareness and emergency preparedness across Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe.
“As such, vigilance, prompt reporting, adherence to infection prevention measures and community awareness remain essential to protecting lives and preventing the disease spread. Health District III is working with relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance, public awareness and emergency preparedness across Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe,” she said.
Health District III reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents from Ebola Virus Disease through sustained public sensitisation, strengthened disease surveillance and improved emergency preparedness, assuring that it would continue to work with relevant health agencies to safeguard public health and prevent the spread of the virus across Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe.
