Lagos state steps up Ebola surveillance after federal case

The Lagos State Government says there is no suspected Ebola case in the state and that it is ready to prevent, detect and respond to any public‑health threat. This statement follows Nigeria’s first confirmed case of the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, is strengthening disease surveillance, risk communication and community engagement. It is also working with agencies at points of entry, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport, to improve early detection and response to suspected cases.

The state carried out a strategic engagement and assessment at the airport with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public‑health stakeholders. The focus was on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, and coordination of emergency response measures.

Public enlightenment is being intensified with educational materials on Ebola, its symptoms, transmission and prevention. Residents are advised to avoid contact with potentially infectious material, rely on verified information and seek prompt medical assessment if they feel unwell, especially after travel from an area with active transmission.

Lagos’s fever‑management policy remains in force: anyone with a fever should first take a malaria rapid diagnostic test before using antimalarial medicines. If the test is negative, a healthcare professional should assess other possible causes.

Travellers arriving from areas reporting Ebola transmission are asked to cooperate with Port Health Services, give accurate travel and health information and follow guidance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. Those who develop symptoms during travel or after arrival should notify health personnel before visiting a healthcare facility.

Suspected exposure or cases in Lagos can be reported through the state’s emergency numbers 112 or 767, or directly to the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485. The government will continue monitoring developments, strengthening surveillance and response readiness, and providing verified updates.