The Ogun State Government has intensified disease surveillance and emergency preparedness following the Federal Government’s announcement of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The state government says no Ebola case has been recorded in Ogun. It has urged residents to remain vigilant, follow preventive measures and avoid spreading unverified information.
Commissioner for Health Dr Tomi Coker disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. She said the state had been on heightened alert since Ebola was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in March 2026.
According to Coker, health officials identified and monitored 111 persons of interest who had travelled from high-risk countries. All completed the required surveillance period and were discharged from follow-up.
Ogun Strengthens Ebola Preparedness
Coker said the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre was coordinating preparedness and response efforts. The centre is working to ensure suspected cases can be identified, reported and managed promptly.
The government has also trained disease surveillance officers, port health officials, health educators, clinicians and community informants on appropriate response procedures.
Relevant national guidelines and response protocols have been adapted for use in Ogun. Public awareness campaigns and infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities have also been strengthened.
The commissioner urged residents to stay calm and rely on official public health authorities for accurate information.
Ebola Symptoms Residents Should Know
Coker explained that Ebola is a serious disease that can cause severe illness and death. Its early symptoms may resemble those of other common illnesses.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever and severe weakness
- Fatigue, headache and muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising in some cases
Symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure. However, experiencing these symptoms does not automatically mean someone has Ebola.
Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure or travel to a high-risk area should seek professional medical guidance promptly.
How Ebola Spreads and How to Stay Safe
According to the commissioner, Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms. Contact with the body of someone who has died from the disease or materials contaminated with infected fluids can also spread the virus.
Coker advised residents to take the following precautions:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and running water.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable.
- Avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
- Do not share needles, razors or other items that may be contaminated.
- Avoid touching the bodies of people who die from suspected or confirmed Ebola. Safe burials should be handled by trained teams.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should contact public health authorities immediately, even if symptoms have not developed.
People who develop symptoms after possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and contact health authorities before visiting a healthcare facility. This allows officials to arrange safe referral to an appropriate centre.
Ogun Releases Ebola Reporting Contacts
Coker urged residents to cooperate with surveillance teams, provide accurate information and follow public health advice. She also warned against rumours, discrimination and stigmatisation.
The state government will continue working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and other partners to monitor developments.
Healthcare workers in public and private facilities have been directed to remain alert, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, follow strict infection prevention procedures and notify their local government surveillance officers.
Residents can use the following contacts to report suspected cases or seek guidance:
- Ogun State Epidemiologist: 08084250881
- NCDC toll-free line: 6232
Coker stressed that early detection, timely reporting and public cooperation are essential to preventing the spread of Ebola.