Lagos now Ebola-free, last ‘suspect’ discharged

Lagos State government says the last suspected case of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state has been cleared having tested negative after surveillance.

Governor Babatunde Fashola said this on Friday while giving an update on the virus at the Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, where he observed Jumat Prayers.

The governor said the development meant that the state was now Ebola free and that it was safe enough for schools to resume on September 22.

“The last time when we discussed the issue, I told you that about 19 people were still under observation over the Ebola Virus Disease. They were there not because they had the disease but because they were showing suspected symptoms.

“But I am glad to report to you that the last person under surveillance was cleared this morning. He tested negative and that means there is no more Ebola in Lagos.

“Now that the disease has been successfully contained, schools can resume for normal academic session,” he said.

Fashola said the declaration that the state was now free did not mean Ebola threats had been completely eliminated.

According to him, the situation in Sierra Leone, Liberia and other high risk countries meant cross–border transmission threat is still there.

He, however, said the state government was implementing strict measures to ensure the disease was confined to history.

The governor urged residents to be vigilant and to take precautions that would ensure their safety from the disease.

Fashola also advised residents to keep their environment clean and maintain good personal hygiene as diseases thrive in dirty environments.