On Sunday, Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi announced that the state is fully prepared to prevent, detect and respond to any Ebola threat, confirming that no case has been recorded in Lagos despite an imported Bundibugyo‑virus case identified in Abuja. He urged residents to stay calm, remain vigilant and rely on official information.
**Key facts**
- No Ebola case has been confirmed in Lagos as of the latest health bulletin.
- An imported case of the Bundibugyo strain was confirmed in Abuja earlier this week.
- The state is enhancing surveillance at points of entry, especially at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
- "Early detection and prompt reporting save lives," Abayomi emphasized.
What is the current Ebola situation in Lagos?
Prof. Abayomi clarified that, while the virus remains a global health concern, Lagos has not reported any infections. He highlighted that Ebola Virus Disease is a severe, often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, contaminated objects, or the bodies of deceased patients, and occasionally through contact with infected animals.
How is the state strengthening disease surveillance?
The [Lagos State Ministry of Health](https://health.lagosstate.gov.ng), through its Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, is intensifying disease monitoring, risk communication and community engagement. The ministry is working closely with agencies at entry points, notably the [Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)](https://www.faanairports.org/airport/murtala-muhammed-international- airport), to improve early detection of suspected cases. A strategic engagement was conducted with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public‑health stakeholders, focusing on passenger screening, information sharing, infection‑prevention measures and coordinated emergency response.
What guidance is given to residents?
The commissioner advised Lagos residents to avoid contact with potentially infectious materials and to seek information from verified sources rather than rumors. He reminded the public that Ebola symptoms can appear 2‑21 days after exposure and may include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in some cases unexplained bleeding or bruising. Because early symptoms can mimic malaria, he urged anyone with a fever to first undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial medication, as stipulated in Lagos State’s fever‑management policy.
What should travellers do?
Travellers arriving from regions reporting Ebola transmission are asked to cooperate fully with Port Health Services and other authorised officials, providing accurate travel and health details when requested. They should follow guidance from the [Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)](https://ncdc.gov.ng) and consult the [Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)](https://www.faanairports.org) for up‑to‑date protocols. Anyone who develops symptoms during travel or after arrival should promptly notify health authorities and seek advice before visiting a health facility.
How can suspected exposures be reported?
Potential exposures or concerns in Lagos can be reported through the state’s emergency numbers 112 or 767, or directly to the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health at 08023169485. The commissioner reiterated that swift reporting and early detection are critical to safeguarding public health.
The Lagos government will continue to monitor the situation, reinforce surveillance, coordinate with relevant stakeholders and provide verified updates as needed.