Lagos Has No Ebola Case, Health Commissioner Reassures Residents
The Lagos State Government has assured residents that there is no confirmed Ebola case in the state despite the ongoing outbreak reported in parts of Central and East Africa.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, gave the assurance while outlining measures being taken by the state government to monitor and prevent any possible spread of the disease into Lagos.
According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed relevant health agencies to remain on high alert as authorities closely monitor developments linked to the outbreak, which has reportedly claimed about 177 lives from nearly 700 suspected cases in Congo and Uganda.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the challenges surrounding containment efforts in the affected regions.
Abayomi said Lagos has strengthened its biosecurity system over the years and remains fully prepared to detect, isolate and respond swiftly to any suspected outbreak.
“The Lagos Biosecurity Bio-shield was built to protect and remains ready to respond to biological shocks. Preparedness for us is not a temporary reaction; it is a permanent culture embedded within our health system,” he said.
He explained that the state’s emergency preparedness structure, first tested during the Ebola outbreak and later strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains active in tackling infectious diseases such as Cholera, Diphtheria and Lassa Fever.
The Commissioner said the Lagos State Incident Command System, headed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, remains operational to ensure rapid coordination and deployment of resources during health emergencies.
He added that the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to monitor disease surveillance round the clock through a network of epidemiologists and public health experts.
Abayomi also disclosed that the Lagos State Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba remains on standby with isolation facilities, intensive care units and trained infectious disease specialists.
He said the state’s Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility has intensified surveillance and continues to collaborate with local and international public health laboratories for the monitoring of high-risk diseases.
According to him, Lagos is also working with Port Health Services, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), FAAN and other agencies to strengthen screening at airports, seaports and land borders.
“All flights arriving from East and Central Africa are receiving heightened public health attention and scrutiny as part of precautionary measures,” he stated.
The Commissioner further noted that community health workers, civil society groups and community associations have been integrated into the state’s disease surveillance network to improve early detection and reporting.
Emergency stockpiles of protective equipment and medical supplies have also been positioned across strategic locations, while ambulance services remain on standby for rapid response.
“Our focus remains firmly on prevention, early detection, prompt reporting and swift multi-sectoral response. Lagos remains vigilant, organized and safe,” Abayomi said.
Residents who recently travelled to affected countries or had contact with travellers from Congo or Uganda were advised to seek medical guidance if they notice any symptoms.
The government urged residents to contact emergency numbers 767, 112, or the Lagos State Ministry of Health emergency line for assistance and information.
