By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Lagos State Government has assured residents that there is no cause for alarm over the evolving Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa, saying the state’s surveillance and emergency response systems remain fully active and prepared.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the government is closely monitoring developments following reports of the outbreak, which has recorded about 177 deaths from nearly 700 suspected cases, and remains confined to Congo and Uganda.

According to him, “there is currently no case suggestive of Ebola Virus Disease identified in Lagos State.”

He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), largely due to operational challenges posed by difficult terrain in affected regions.

Prof. Abayomi explained that Lagos maintains a “robust and outbreak-tested biosecurity system,” anchored by an Incident Command System led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure rapid coordination during public health emergencies.

He added that the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is operating round-the-clock, conducting surveillance and deploying rapid response teams where necessary.

The Commissioner also said the Lagos State Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba, remains fully prepared with isolation facilities, intensive care units, and trained specialists for managing infectious diseases.

He disclosed that the Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility continues enhanced monitoring and diagnostic testing in collaboration with national and international partners.

Lagos is also working with Port Health Services at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, as well as relevant federal agencies including the NCDC, FAAN, and NIMR, to strengthen surveillance at all entry points.

“All flights from East and Central Africa are under heightened public health surveillance as a precautionary measure,” he said.

Prof. Abayomi urged residents who have travelled to affected countries or had contact with returning travellers to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms.

He advised the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to contact emergency lines 767 or 112, or the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 08023169485 for assistance.