By Precious Mark
The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide public awareness campaign tagged “Operation Lagos BioShield” to strengthen preparedness and prevent any possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease into the state, amid ongoing outbreaks reported in parts of East and Central Africa.
In a statement over the weekend, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the State Commissioner for Health, said there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria.
He explained that the campaign is strictly preventive and aimed at improving public awareness rather than responding to any active outbreak in the country.
“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness, and prevention,” he said.
Abayomi noted that the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, stressing that there is no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment at the moment, making prevention and early detection critical.
He added that Ebola is not spread through casual contact but through direct contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials from an infected person showing symptoms.
According to him, the state government is working with federal agencies and relevant border health authorities to strengthen surveillance at airports, seaports, and land borders due to Lagos’ role as a major travel hub.
The Ministry also said it would intensify public enlightenment campaigns in the coming weeks across communities, schools, workplaces, and health facilities to educate residents on symptoms, prevention, and reporting channels.
Residents were urged to rely only on verified information and avoid panic.
The Commissioner advised anyone returning from affected countries who develops symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, or unexplained bleeding to immediately contact emergency lines 112 or 767, or call the State Epidemiologist on +234 802 316 9485.
He also recalled Lagos’ successful containment of Ebola in 2014, expressing confidence in the state’s readiness to respond effectively to any potential threat.
“Through strong surveillance, rapid response, and the cooperation of residents, we successfully contained Ebola in 2014. We remain vigilant and prepared,” he said.