The Lagos State Government has strengthened its preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), upgrading its isolation centre and targeting laboratory test results within 24 hours following the confirmation of an index case in Abuja.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this in a statement, saying Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed relevant agencies to remain on high alert and intensify preparations to prevent and respond to any suspected case.
Abayomi said Lagos was treating the development as a priority because of the regular movement of people between Lagos and Abuja.
He explained that the state’s Emergency Operations Centre had conducted simulation exercises ahead of the confirmed case to ensure that emergency response teams understood their responsibilities and could respond effectively.
According to him, the government has upgraded its isolation centre and is developing additional capacity to manage potential cases. Training for health workers in public and private health facilities is also ongoing, with emphasis on infection prevention and control.
“Our isolation centre has been upgraded, and additional capacity is ongoing,” Abayomi said.
He added that the state was establishing a clear process for laboratory testing to ensure suspected cases could be assessed promptly.
“We are defining a clear pathway from sample to result, targeting results within 24 hours,” he said.
The commissioner said a dedicated Ebola Research Committee was reviewing current evidence on treatments and vaccines to guide the state’s response.
He added that the government was strengthening screening at airports and other points of entry in collaboration with federal authorities.
Disease surveillance is also being enhanced digitally through the state’s SHIP platform to improve the detection of suspected cases, contact tracing and real-time response.
As part of preventive measures, Abayomi urged residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone who is ill.
He advised anyone experiencing fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or who suspects exposure to the virus, not to self-medicate but to contact health authorities before visiting a health facility.
The commissioner also urged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, ask patients about their travel history and use appropriate personal protective equipment when attending to suspected cases.
Residents were advised to report suspected cases or possible 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 Lagos residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and rely on official updates from the state Ministry of Health.
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