No Ebola Case Recorded In Lagos As Government Strengthens Airport Surveillance

The Lagos State Government has confirmed that no case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been recorded in the state, while announcing intensified surveillance and preparedness measures at entry points, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

The state government said the measures were aimed at strengthening early detection, improving emergency response and preventing the possible spread of the disease through enhanced collaboration among relevant health and aviation agencies.

The Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, disclosed that it was reinforcing disease surveillance, risk communication and community engagement in partnership with agencies operating at points of entry.

As part of the initiative, the state conducted a strategic engagement and assessment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, involving airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders.

According to the ministry, the engagement focused on passenger screening procedures, information sharing, infection prevention and control, as well as coordination mechanisms for responding to potential public health emergencies.

The government also said it was intensifying public awareness campaigns to educate residents on Ebola, including its symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and potentially fatal illness that spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person showing symptoms. Transmission may also occur through contaminated materials, contact with the bodies of people who have died from the disease, or exposure to infected animals.

The ministry explained that symptoms could develop between two and 21 days after exposure. These include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising may also occur in some cases.

It warned that the early symptoms could resemble those of malaria and other common illnesses, urging residents who develop symptoms, particularly after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission, to seek prompt medical assessment.

The ministry further reminded residents of Lagos State’s fever-management policy, which requires a malaria rapid diagnostic test before antimalarial medication is taken. Where the test is negative, patients are expected to undergo further assessment by a qualified health professional.

As part of preventive measures, residents were advised to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick persons, stay away from potentially contaminated materials and avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals.

Travellers arriving in Nigeria, particularly those coming from areas reporting Ebola transmission, were urged to cooperate with Port Health Services, provide accurate travel and health information, and comply with established public health guidelines.

The government also advised travellers who develop symptoms during their journey or after arrival to notify health personnel promptly and seek guidance before visiting a health facility.

Airlines and airport operators were equally urged to maintain established public health protocols to support effective disease surveillance and response.

The ministry encouraged members of the public to obtain reliable information from official advisories issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

It further advised anyone who suspects possible exposure to Ebola, especially following contact with a suspected or confirmed case, to contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

Residents who wish to report suspected cases or exposure concerns in Lagos State can contact the emergency services through 112 or 767, or reach the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.

The government reiterated the importance of public cooperation, vigilance and adherence to health guidelines in maintaining the state’s preparedness against potential outbreaks.