Lagos activates operation BioShield’ over Ebola

…Threat… Says no Ebola case in Nigeria

By Chioma Obinna

The Lagos State Government on Sunday said it has launched a statewide emergency public awareness campaign tagged “Operation Lagos BioShield” to strengthen surveillance and prevent the possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into the state amid fresh outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa.

Disclosing this, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, however, reassured residents that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria, stressing that the campaign is a preventive response aimed at keeping the state ahead of any potential threat.

“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness and prevention.”
The state government said the renewed alert followed outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, a strain for which there is no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.

Abayomi warned that prevention, early detection and rapid isolation remain the most effective safeguards against the deadly disease.

“Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools.”

He added that public understanding of the disease would help curb panic, misinformation and stigma.

Explaining the mode of transmission, the commissioner said Ebola is not spread through casual contact but through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of an infected person who is already symptomatic.

“As Nigeria’s commercial capital and a major regional transport hub, Lagos maintains extensive air, land and maritime connections with the rest of Africa and the world,” he said.
He disclosed that the Lagos and Federal Governments were already working with aviation, maritime, border health and public health authorities to strengthen surveillance and screening at all entry points into the country.

Abayomi further announced that the Ministry of Health would intensify public sensitisation campaigns across homes, schools, workplaces and communities in the coming weeks, focusing on Ebola symptoms, prevention measures and emergency reporting channels.

He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and rely only on verified health information.

According to him, travellers returning from affected countries who develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding should immediately contact emergency lines 112 or 767, or the State Epidemiologist on +234 802 316 9485, while avoiding close contact with others.

Recalling Lagos’ successful containment of Ebola in 2014, Abayomi expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness to confront any future outbreak.

“Through strong leadership, effective surveillance, rapid response and the collective efforts of healthcare workers and residents, our state successfully contained Ebola and protected millions of lives.

“Today, we remain prepared, vigilant and committed to safeguarding the health of every Lagosian. Together, we will keep Lagos safe,” he said.

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