The Oyo State Government has activated emergency response measures and strengthened disease surveillance across the state, assuring residents that no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been recorded.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interview with journalists in her office, urging residents to remain calm, vigilant and adhere to recommended health and safety precautions.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, she disclosed 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, Ajetunmobi said the ministry had initiated collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Information, Agriculture and Environment, as well as the Epidemiology Unit of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
She said the collaboration was aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, preparedness and response mechanisms across the state’s 33 local government areas.
The commissioner noted that disease surveillance units had been activated across the 33 LGAs, while Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on Ebola transmission, prevention and emergency contacts had been distributed to health facilities.
She added that infection prevention and control measures had been reinforced in healthcare facilities, with health workers directed to maintain a high index of suspicion for suspected cases and strictly observe safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment.
According to her, early Ebola symptoms may resemble those of malaria, making prompt medical attention essential for anyone experiencing sudden fever, severe headache, joint or muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme tiredness, abdominal pain or unexplained bleeding.
She explained that the incubation period for Ebola Virus Disease ranges from two to 21 days.
On case management, Ajetunmobi said trained healthcare personnel, including laboratory teams responsible for sample collection and testing, were available to respond to suspected cases.
She also confirmed that the Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo was fully prepared to support the state’s response efforts.
The commissioner stressed that the government was intensifying public awareness and risk communication, noting that effective collaboration among government agencies, healthcare workers, the media and communities was essential for early detection, prompt reporting and containment.
She reiterated that no confirmed case of Ebola had been recorded in Oyo State and cautioned residents against spreading unverified information.
Ajetunmobi advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers where appropriate. She also warned against direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed cases, as well as contaminated materials.
She urged anyone experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola to contact a health facility or the appropriate public health authority promptly.
The commissioner called on residents to remain vigilant without panic, emphasising that public cooperation and compliance with official health advisories were crucial to protecting public health.
Residents seeking assistance or wishing to report a suspected case were advised to contact the following zonal emergency numbers:
Ibadan Zone
0803374205, 08025245809, 08033515158, 07039531882
Ogbomoso Zone
08195531882, 08024347856
Oyo Zone
08132407856, 08033397856
Ibarapa Zone
08020325728, 08020335728
Oke-Ogun Zone
<span;><span;>- 09062433608
<span;><span;>- 0706773741
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