The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide campaign called “Operation Lagos BioShield” to boost disease surveillance and prevent Ebola from entering the state.
The initiative was announced on Sunday by Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who said there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria. He described the campaign as a proactive step to strengthen public awareness and preparedness, not a response to an outbreak.
The alert follows recent outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Abayomi noted that this strain has no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment yet.
“Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation, and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools,” he said. The commissioner added that improving public understanding of Ebola would help reduce misinformation, panic, and stigma.
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He clarified that Ebola spreads only through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials from someone already showing symptoms. Casual contact does not transmit the virus.
As Nigeria’s main commercial hub and transport gateway, Lagos is working with federal aviation, maritime, border health, and public health agencies to strengthen screening at all entry points. The Ministry of Health will also roll out public education across schools, workplaces, and communities on Ebola symptoms, prevention, and reporting procedures.
Residents were urged to stay calm, remain vigilant, and rely only on verified health information. Travellers from affected countries who develop symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding should call 112, 767, or the State Epidemiologist on +234 802 316 9485, and avoid close contact with others.
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