The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to safeguard public health by urging residents of Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe Local Government Areas to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to preventive measures against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), warning that early detection and prompt reporting are crucial to preventing any possible outbreak.
The renewed appeal was made by the Lagos State Health District III as part of a comprehensive public awareness and preparedness campaign aimed at strengthening surveillance systems and ensuring communities are adequately informed about the deadly viral disease.
In a statement issued during the week and signed by the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, the government stressed that although there is no confirmed Ebola outbreak in the state, sustained public awareness remains an essential component of disease prevention and emergency preparedness.
According to Adeleke, Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease capable of causing severe illness and death if not detected and managed promptly. She noted that the government’s awareness campaign seeks to educate residents on how the virus spreads, the importance of personal hygiene, and the need to report suspected cases immediately to health authorities.
She explained that preventive health education remains one of the strongest weapons against infectious diseases, adding that informed communities are better positioned to respond appropriately whenever public health threats arise.
The Permanent Secretary urged residents to observe proper hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing with soap and clean water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers. She also advised members of the public to avoid direct contact with the blood, body fluids or personal belongings of individuals showing symptoms suggestive of Ebola.
She further encouraged residents to refrain from handling dead animals found in forests or bushes, consume only properly cooked meat, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as sudden fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.
Adeleke emphasised that individuals should avoid self-medication whenever they experience unusual symptoms and instead visit the nearest healthcare facility for proper evaluation and treatment.
She noted that healthcare workers across Health District III have also been sensitised to maintain a high level of alertness, promptly identify suspected cases, and activate established response protocols where necessary.
According to the statement, surveillance teams have continued to strengthen collaboration with health facilities and community stakeholders across Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe to ensure that any suspected case is detected early and reported without delay.
The government also appealed to community leaders, religious organisations, schools and market associations to support the awareness campaign by educating residents on the importance of preventive health practices.
Adeleke said community participation remains a critical pillar in protecting Lagos residents from infectious disease outbreaks, noting that everyone has a role to play in maintaining public health security.
She reassured residents that the Lagos State Government has continued to invest in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response mechanisms to address potential health emergencies.
The Permanent Secretary further called on members of the public to rely only on verified information from government health authorities and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
She reiterated that prompt reporting of suspected illnesses, strict adherence to infection prevention measures and cooperation with health officials would significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission should any health threat emerge.
The latest sensitisation campaign forms part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to strengthen epidemic preparedness and reinforce public confidence in the state’s capacity to detect, prevent and respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks. Officials say sustained vigilance, public cooperation and continuous awareness remain essential to protecting communities and preserving the health of residents across the state.
