In response to a confirmed Ebola case in Abuja, the Ogun State Government has stepped up its surveillance and preparedness measures, assuring residents that there have been no reported cases within the state as of October 21, 2026. The state authorities are urging the public to remain alert, adhere to preventive measures, and avoid spreading unverified information.

Dr. Tomi Coker, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, announced the intensified efforts in a statement released on Wednesday. The state has been on high alert since the Ebola outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in March 2026. As part of its proactive approach, Ogun State has identified and monitored 111 individuals from high-risk countries, all of whom have since completed their surveillance period and been discharged.

Coker highlighted that the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is actively coordinating preparedness and response activities. This initiative aims to ensure that any suspected Ebola cases are promptly identified, reported, and managed. The government has also enhanced the training of Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, port health officers, and healthcare professionals to improve their response capabilities.

The commissioner provided crucial information about the symptoms of Ebola, which can often mimic those of other common illnesses. Symptoms may include fever, severe weakness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, unexplained bleeding or bruising may occur. Symptoms typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure to the virus.

Coker emphasized the importance of early detection and professional assessment, particularly for individuals who may have traveled to high-risk areas. She explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, as well as through contaminated materials. To mitigate the risk of transmission, residents are advised to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when necessary.

The commissioner also urged individuals who suspect they have been exposed to Ebola to contact public health authorities immediately, even before symptoms appear. In cases where symptoms develop, individuals should avoid close contact with others and reach out to health officials before visiting a healthcare facility to ensure safe referral.

Coker warned against the dangers of misinformation, discrimination, and stigma associated with Ebola. She called on residents to share only verified information from public health sources and to cooperate with surveillance teams. Additionally, she stressed the importance of safe burial practices for anyone who dies from suspected or confirmed Ebola, which must be conducted by trained professionals.

To further support the public, Coker provided contact details for reporting suspected cases and obtaining public health guidance, including the State Epidemiologist's number, 08084250881, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s toll-free line, 6232. The Ogun State Government remains committed to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to monitor the situation and implement necessary measures for public health protection.