The Lagos State Ministry of Health has reassured residents that there is no immediate threat to public safety despite the evolving Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa.
Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi said the state’s biosecurity and disease response systems remain fully operational and capable of responding swiftly to any potential health threat.
According to the Lagos State Government, the outbreak — currently limited to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo — has resulted in approximately 177 deaths from nearly 700 suspected cases.
The World Health Organization has classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to concerns that difficult terrain in the affected areas could hamper containment efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Abayomi stressed that no suspected Ebola case has been detected in Lagos State.
“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 noted that the state’s disease response infrastructure was first tested during the Ebola outbreak and later strengthened significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system has also remained active in managing outbreaks such as cholera, diphtheria and Lassa fever.
Abayomi highlighted several components of the state’s emergency preparedness framework, including the Lagos State Incident Command System, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which coordinates rapid deployment of resources during health emergencies.
The Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre continues to operate around the clock, carrying out disease surveillance and collecting real-time health intelligence through teams of epidemiologists and disease surveillance officers.
The Lagos State Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba remains on standby with isolation wards, intensive care facilities and infectious disease specialists prepared to manage suspected cases.
Authorities also confirmed that the Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility within the hospital is maintaining enhanced surveillance and diagnostic operations for high-risk pathogens.
The state government said it is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research and other agencies to strengthen monitoring at airports, seaports and land borders.
Flights arriving from East and Central Africa are currently undergoing heightened health screening as part of preventive measures aimed at early detection and containment.
Community Health Workers, Community Development Associations and Civil Society Organisations have also been integrated into Lagos State’s disease surveillance network to improve grassroots reporting and rapid response.
The government added that emergency medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and sanitizers, have been strategically stockpiled, while ambulance services remain on alert for emergency deployment.
Abayomi urged residents, especially those returning from affected countries or those who may have had contact with travellers from the outbreak zones, to seek immediate medical guidance if they develop symptoms or have health concerns.
Residents were advised to contact emergency numbers 767 or 112, or reach the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health through 08023169485 for assistance and information.
The state government said it will continue to work closely with federal health authorities and international partners to provide timely and evidence-based updates as the situation develops.
