EBOLA: LAGOS BOOSTS AIRPORT SCREENING, ISOLATION CAPACITY, TARGETS 24-HOUR TESTS

Lagos State has strengthened airport screening and expanded preparations for possible Ebola cases following the confirmation of an imported case in Abuja.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said the state was prioritising readiness because of frequent travel between Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the Emergency Operations Centre had been coordinating surveillance, isolation arrangements and training for health workers.

The state’s isolation centre has been upgraded, while additional capacity is being developed. Response teams are also conducting simulation exercises to prepare for suspected cases.

Abayomi said Lagos was establishing a laboratory process aimed at returning test results within 24 hours. This remains a target rather than a confirmed turnaround time for every sample.

Screening at airports and other entry points is being strengthened with federal authorities, alongside digital systems for detecting suspected cases and tracing contacts.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and follow official health information. Anyone with possible exposure or concerning symptoms was advised to contact health authorities before visiting a medical facility.

The announcement concerned preparedness and did not report a confirmed Ebola case in Lagos.