Lagos launches Operation BioShield to prevent an Ebola outbreak

The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide emergency awareness initiative, codenamed “Operation Lagos BioShield,” to strengthen disease surveillance and protect the state against a potential entry of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following recent outbreaks in East and Central Africa.

The initiative was announced on Sunday by Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi. He confirmed that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Lagos or anywhere else in Nigeria.

Abayomi said the campaign is a preventive measure aimed at boosting public preparedness and ensuring the state stays ahead of any possible public‑health threat.

“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness and prevention,” he stated.

The commissioner explained that the heightened alert was triggered by recent outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. He noted that this strain currently has no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.

Abayomi emphasized that prevention, early diagnosis, prompt isolation and supportive medical care remain the most effective strategies for containing the disease.

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

He added that improving public understanding of Ebola would help reduce misinformation, panic and stigmatisation associated with the disease.

He clarified that Ebola is not transmitted through casual contact but through direct exposure to the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of an infected individual who is already showing symptoms.

“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 noted.

Abayomi disclosed that the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government are collaborating with aviation, maritime, border health and public health agencies to reinforce screening and surveillance measures at all points of entry into the country.

He also revealed that the Ministry of Health will intensify public education campaigns across schools, workplaces, homes and communities in the coming weeks, with an emphasis on Ebola symptoms, preventive measures and emergency reporting procedures.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and rely only on verified health information from credible sources.

He advised travellers arriving from affected countries who develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to immediately contact emergency numbers 112 or 767, or reach the State Epidemiologist on +234 802 316 9485, while avoiding close contact with other people.