The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Health, has expressed readiness to prevent, detect and respond to potential public health threats, following the reported case of Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.‎‎
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on Sunday, October 25. ‎‎In the statement, it was revealed that the Ministry would increase surveillance through the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health and collaborate with Port health services and entry point agencies including the Muritala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) as well as other aviation services to hasten detection and address suspected cases rapidly. ‎‎
The collaboration is focused on passenger screening, information sharing, infection prevention and control as well as coordination of emergency response measures.‎‎
Furthermore, public enlightenment on the the disease, including educational materials on symptoms, transmissions and prevention is being provided by the ministry to ensure adequate awareness.‎‎
According to the statement, residents are urged to rely on verified information rather than rumors and speculations. Residents were also asked to undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before administering any anti-malaria drugs, with residents who feel unwell after travelling to seek medical help immediately.‎‎
Meanwhile, travellers from far distances, especially from Ebola present areas are to follow set up protocols at airlines and ports, with any symptom to be reported to the appropriate healthcare professional before visiting a healthcare facility. ‎‎
Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids of an infected person with visible symptoms, contaminated objects, dead bodies carrying the disease and contact with infected animals. ‎‎
The symptoms include fever, head ache, sore throat, muscle pain, severe weakness, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, which may occur 2 – 21 days, following exposure. Unexplained bleeding or bruising are also symptoms.
‎‎Suspected cases are to be reported via the state’s emergency numbers, 121 or 767 or to the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, throughout 08023169485‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎