The Lagos State Government has activated the Incident Management Structure of its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) as a proactive step to guard against a possible Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak.
The decision follows reports of an epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where 58 suspected or confirmed cases and 20 deaths, including four health workers, have been recorded as of September 10.
According to a statement issued on Thursday via the state government’s official X handle, the PHEOC convened an emergency meeting on September 9 at the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, to strengthen preparedness measures.
As part of its response, Lagos has unveiled an isolation facility with a capacity of 14 to 18 beds for suspected and confirmed cases. Additional measures include enhanced surveillance, improved laboratory systems, and infection prevention and control protocols. The first batch of training for frontline health workers across all response pillars is set to commence immediately.
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, represented by Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health, stressed that the move was critical given Lagos’ position as an international hub.
“Lagos is largely ready,” Abdus-Salam assured, adding that fact sheets and advisories will be distributed to health facilities across the state to keep doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists alert.
Residents have been urged not to panic but to maintain strict hand hygiene, environmental sanitation, and report suspected cases early—especially among travellers from outbreak regions.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Port Health Services confirmed that robust surveillance and infection prevention controls are in place, with immigration, customs, and FAAN personnel sensitised to detect possible symptoms.
The State Government emphasised that the Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or contaminated items of an infected person. Individuals experiencing fever, sore throat, or malaria-like symptoms after recent travel to affected regions are advised to call 767 or 112 immediately.
