Ebola Alert: Lagos Sets Up 24-Hour Testing System, Warns Residents Against Self-Medication
Kehinde Adeleye
Lagos State has strengthened its disease surveillance and emergency response measures amid concerns over Ebola, with the government upgrading its isolation centre and working to establish a laboratory testing system capable of delivering results within 24 hours.
The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said the state remained on “high alert and preparedness,” adding that the government was treating the situation as a priority because of Lagos’ frequent travel links with Abuja.
“Lagos is a gateway city with constant movement to and from Abuja, and we are treating this as a priority,” Abayomi said in a statement posted on X on Friday.
He explained that the state’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been working proactively to strengthen disease surveillance, isolation arrangements, laboratory testing and infection prevention and control.
According to the commissioner, response teams are conducting simulation exercises to ensure that relevant personnel understand their responsibilities and can respond promptly when necessary.
He added that the state’s isolation centre had been upgraded, with plans underway to expand its capacity. Training on infection prevention and control is also continuing for healthcare workers in public and private medical facilities.
Abayomi said the government was developing a streamlined laboratory testing process designed to deliver results within 24 hours.
He also disclosed that screening procedures at airports and other points of entry were being strengthened in collaboration with federal authorities. Digital disease surveillance systems are also being upgraded to support the early detection of suspected cases, contact tracing and rapid response.
The commissioner further said a dedicated Ebola Research Committee had been established to review the latest scientific evidence on available treatments and vaccines to guide the state’s response.
As part of preventive measures, Abayomi urged residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and avoid contact with the blood or other body fluids of people who are sick.
He advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or who suspects possible exposure to Ebola, to avoid self-medication and seek medical guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
“If you develop fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or think you have been exposed, do not self-medicate. Call before visiting a health facility,” he said.
Abayomi also urged healthcare workers to remain vigilant, obtain patients’ travel histories where appropriate and use suitable personal protective equipment when attending to suspected cases.
Residents who suspect an Ebola infection or believe they may have been exposed can call the Lagos emergency numbers, 112 or 767, or contact the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm, exercise caution and rely on official communications from the Lagos State Ministry of Health for updates on the situation.
