Oyo Reports No Ebola Case, Activates Statewide Surveillance

The Oyo State Government has assured residents that no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been recorded in the state, announcing enhanced surveillance and emergency response measures to prevent a possible outbreak.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interview with journalists in her office, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.

Ajetunmobi urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, while observing recommended health and safety precautions.

She explained that the Ministry of Health began preparations in June 2026 to strengthen the state’s readiness for potential outbreaks of Ebola and other infectious diseases, including diphtheria.

Under the One Health approach, the ministry has strengthened collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Information, Agriculture and Environment, as well as the Epidemiology Unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The initiative is aimed at improving disease surveillance, preparedness and response mechanisms across the state’s 33 local government areas.

The commissioner disclosed that disease surveillance units had been activated across the local government areas, while information, education and communication materials covering Ebola transmission, prevention and emergency contacts had been distributed to healthcare facilities.

She added that infection prevention and control measures had been strengthened across medical facilities, with health workers directed to maintain a high level of vigilance for patients presenting symptoms suggestive of the disease.

Healthcare personnel were also advised to comply strictly with infection prevention protocols, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

Ajetunmobi cautioned residents against ignoring symptoms that could indicate an infection, noting that the early signs of Ebola might resemble those of malaria.

She advised anyone experiencing sudden fever, severe headache, joint or muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme tiredness, abdominal pain or unexplained bleeding to seek prompt medical attention.

The commissioner explained that Ebola has an incubation period of between two and 21 days, during which symptoms may develop following exposure.

On the state’s capacity to manage suspected infections, she said trained healthcare personnel, including laboratory teams responsible for collecting and testing samples, were available to respond.

She also disclosed that the Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo had been prepared as part of the state’s emergency response arrangements.

Ajetunmobi reiterated that the government was taking proactive steps to protect public health and urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information about the disease.

She advised the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers where appropriate.

Residents were also warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, as well as potentially contaminated materials.

The commissioner stressed that public cooperation, early reporting of symptoms and adherence to official health guidance would be essential in preventing transmission and ensuring an effective response should a suspected case emerge.