LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has upgraded its Ebola isolation centre and is targeting laboratory test results within 24 hours as it strengthens preparedness following the reported confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja.
Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed relevant agencies to remain on high alert.
Abayomi said the movement of people between Lagos and Abuja made preparedness a priority. He added that the state’s Emergency Operations Centre had conducted simulation exercises to test response arrangements. “Our isolation centre has been upgraded, and additional capacity is ongoing,” he said.
The state is also training health workers in public and private facilities on infection prevention and control, while a dedicated Ebola Research Committee reviews emerging evidence on treatments and vaccines.
Abayomi said the government was establishing a clear laboratory testing pathway, improving screening at airports and other entry points with federal partners, and strengthening digital disease surveillance through the SHIP platform to support early detection and contact tracing. “We are defining a clear pathway from sample to result, targeting results within 24 hours,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of people suspected or confirmed to have Ebola.
Anyone experiencing fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or who suspects exposure to the virus, should avoid self-medication and contact health authorities before visiting a health facility. He also advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, ask patients about their travel history and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Residents can report suspected cases or exposure through the Lagos State emergency numbers 112 and 767, or contact the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485. Abayomi urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant and rely on official information from the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
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