Ebola: Lagos Intensifies Surveillance, Reassures Residents Of Preparedness

The Lagos State Government has said it is ready to prevent, detect and respond to potential public health threats, amid concerns over the confirmation of Nigeria’s first case of the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory. It urged residents and visitors not to panic, as the Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, is strengthening disease surveillance, risk communication and community engagement, as well as collaboration with agencies at points of entry, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), to enhance early detection and response to suspected cases.

The state government said that there is no suspected case of Ebola in Lagos “now”. It said that as part of its preparedness efforts, it has conducted a strategic engagement and assessment at MMIA with airport management, Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders. The engagement, it said, focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control, and coordination of emergency response measures.

The state government further said that the health ministry is also intensifying public enlightenment through educational materials on Ebola, its symptoms, transmission and prevention. “Ebola Virus Disease is a severe illness that can be fatal. It spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, contaminated materials, or the bodies of people who have died from the disease,” it stated.

“Infection may also occur through contact with infected animals. Residents are advised to avoid contact with potentially infectious materials and to rely on verified information rather than rumours or speculation. “Symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Unexplained bleeding or bruising may occur in some cases. “As early symptoms can resemble malaria and other common illnesses, residents who become unwell, particularly after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission, should seek prompt medical assessment,” it added. A health official works in the laboratory extraction room of the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Irrua, Edo State, midwest Nigeria, on March 6, 2018.

Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP The Lagos State Government further said that anyone with a fever should undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial medicines in line with Lagos State’s fever-management policy. “Where the test is negative, a healthcare professional should assess other possible causes and determine appropriate treatment,” it said.

“Residents are also advised to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick persons, refrain from handling potentially contaminated materials and avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals.” “Travellers arriving in Nigeria, particularly from areas reporting Ebola transmission, are urged to cooperate with Port Health Services and other authorised officials, provide accurate travel and health information when requested, and comply with applicable public health guidance.

“Anyone who develops symptoms during travel or after arrival should promptly notify the appropriate health personnel and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility,” it added. “Airlines and airport operators are expected to sustain established public health protocols, while travellers should consult official advisories from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for current guidance.” The state government urged anyone who suspects exposure to Ebola, especially following contact with a suspected or confirmed case, to promptly contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

“Suspected cases or relevant exposure concerns in Lagos may be reported through the State’s emergency numbers, 112 or 767, or to the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, on 0802 316 9485,” it added. “The Lagos State Government will continue to monitor developments, strengthen surveillance and response readiness, coordinate with relevant stakeholders and provide verified updates as necessary.

Residents are encouraged to remain calm, practise recommended preventive measures and follow official public health announcements. Early detection and prompt reporting save lives.”