Lagos urges residents to remain vigilant amid Ebola concerns

The Lagos State Government has called on residents of Eti‑Osa, Ibeju‑Lekki and Epe to stay alert and take preventive steps against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as part of its public‑health protection strategy.

A statement from the Lagos state government said the message came from the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, who urged residents to remain vigilant and adopt measures to prevent Ebola.

Dr. Adeleke explained that Ebola Virus Disease is caused by Ebola viruses and can lead to severe illness and death if it is not detected and managed quickly.

She added that Health District III has stepped up community sensitisation programmes designed to lower the risk of infection and safeguard residents in the affected areas.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the disease mainly spreads through direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit and other bodily fluids of infected people or animals.

To avoid transmission, she advised residents to steer clear of sick individuals, dead bodies and wild animals such as bats and monkeys. She also urged the public to practice good personal hygiene, use hand sanitiser regularly and avoid eating undercooked meat.

Dr. Adeleke stressed the importance of public awareness and strict adherence to safety measures, saying that prevention remains the most effective way to curb the spread of the disease.

“Although there is no confirmed Ebola outbreak in Nigeria at this time, vigilance, prompt reporting, adherence to infection prevention measures, and community awareness remain essential to protecting lives and preventing the spread of the disease. As such, Health District III is working with relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance, public awareness, and emergency preparedness across Eti‑Osa, Ibeju‑Lekki, and Epe,” she said.