The Oyo State Government has assured residents that no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been recorded in the state, saying it has activated surveillance and emergency response measures to prevent and contain any potential outbreak.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interview with journalists in her office, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, on the state’s X account.
Ajetunmobi urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while adhering to recommended health and safety precautions.
She said the Ministry of Health began preparations in June 2026 to strengthen the state’s readiness for potential outbreaks of Ebola and other infectious diseases, including diphtheria.
According to her, the government has adopted the One Health approach, collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Information, Agriculture and Environment, as well as the Epidemiology Unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The collaboration, she explained, was aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, preparedness and response mechanisms across the state’s 33 local government areas.
The commissioner disclosed that disease surveillance units had been activated across the LGAs, while Information, Education and Communication materials containing details on Ebola transmission, prevention and emergency contacts had been distributed to health facilities.
She added that infection prevention and control measures had been strengthened across healthcare facilities, with health workers advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for patients presenting symptoms suggestive of Ebola.
Ajetunmobi stressed the need for healthcare workers to comply strictly with infection prevention protocols, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
The commissioner warned residents against dismissing symptoms that could indicate an infection, noting that the early signs of Ebola might resemble those of malaria.
She urged anyone experiencing sudden fever, severe headache, joint or muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme tiredness, abdominal pain or unexplained bleeding to seek prompt medical attention.
She also explained that the incubation period for Ebola Virus Disease ranged from two to 21 days.
On the state’s preparedness to manage suspected cases, Ajetunmobi said trained healthcare personnel, including laboratory teams responsible for sample collection and testing, were available to respond.
She added that the Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo had been prepared as part of the state’s emergency response arrangements.
The commissioner said the ministry was intensifying public awareness and risk communication to ensure residents understood the risks associated with the disease and the measures required to prevent its spread.
She emphasised that cooperation among government agencies, healthcare workers, the media and communities was essential for early detection, prompt reporting and effective containment.
“The Government of Oyo State is taking proactive steps to ensure that the state is adequately prepared to respond to any potential outbreak,” she said.
Ajetunmobi reiterated that no confirmed Ebola case had been recorded in the state and urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information.
She advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers where appropriate.
Residents were also cautioned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, as well as potentially contaminated materials.
The commissioner urged anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of Ebola to contact a health facility or the appropriate public health authority promptly.
Residents who require assistance or wish to report suspected cases can contact the following emergency numbers:
Ibadan Zone
• 0803374205
• 08025245809
• 08033515158
• 07039531882
Ogbomoso Zone
• 08195531882
• 08024347856
Oyo Zone
• 08132407856
• 08033397856
Ibarapa Zone
• 08020325728
• 08020335728
Oke-Ogun Zone
• 09062433608
• 07067737410