The Lagos State Government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and Incident Management Structure (IMS) as part of proactive measures to guard against a possible outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state.

This move comes after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) confirmed 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in its latest Ebola resurgence.

At an emergency meeting held on September 9 at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, health experts assessed Lagos’ readiness using a checklist that covered infection prevention, surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, case management, evacuation, logistics, risk communication, and funding.

Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Health, represented by Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, said the activation was a precautionary step given Lagos’ high-risk status as Nigeria’s busiest entry point with multiple international gateways.

According to him, Lagos already has key structures in place, including an isolation centre with 14–18 bed spaces, functional laboratories, and a strengthened surveillance system. Training for frontline responders across all response pillars is set to begin immediately.

“Our preparedness review has been concluded. The isolation centre is ready, laboratories are functional, and surveillance is strong. Starting tomorrow, officers in surveillance, infection control, case management, and risk communication will undergo refresher training,” Ogboye said.

He assured residents not to panic, emphasising that the government is prepared to safeguard the state. He advised strict hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and the immediate reporting of suspected cases, particularly among travellers from affected regions.

At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Dr. Abdullahi Lawal, Officer-in-Charge of Port Health Services, confirmed that surveillance and screening have been scaled up, even though there are no direct flights from the DRC to Nigeria. Travellers from neighbouring countries are being closely monitored, with high-risk passengers undergoing enhanced checks.

“All airport stakeholders, including immigration, customs, and FAAN, have been sensitised to identify Ebola symptoms, while travellers are being advised on strict hygiene and the need to report any suspicious illness,” Lawal noted.

The emergency meeting was attended by state health officials, WHO representatives, and surveillance officers, all pledging unwavering vigilance to prevent Ebola’s re-entry into Nigeria.