The Oyo State Government says it has recorded no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease assuring residents that measures have been put in place to strengthen surveillance and respond to any suspected infection.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interview with journalists in her office.
She urged residents to remain calm, observe recommended safety measures and avoid spreading unverified information about the disease.
Ajetunmobi said the state began preparations in June 2026 to strengthen its readiness for potential outbreaks of Ebola and other infectious diseases, including diphtheria.
According to her, the Ministry of Health has activated disease surveillance units across the state’s 33 local government areas and distributed information materials on Ebola transmission, prevention and emergency contacts to health facilities.
She said the government was also collaborating with relevant stakeholders under the One Health approach, including the Ministries of Information, Agriculture and Environment, as well as the Epidemiology Unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The commissioner added that infection prevention and control measures had been strengthened in healthcare facilities, with health workers advised to maintain a high level of suspicion for possible Ebola cases and strictly adhere to safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment.
She noted that Ebola could initially present symptoms similar to malaria, making prompt medical attention important when warning signs emerge.
“Residents should seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headache, joint or muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme tiredness, abdominal pain or unexplained bleeding,” she said.
The commissioner explained that the incubation period for Ebola ranged from two to 21 days.
On the state’s capacity to manage suspected infections, Ajetunmobi said trained healthcare personnel, including laboratory teams responsible for collecting and testing samples, were available to respond.
She also said the Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo had been prepared as part of the state’s response arrangements.
The commissioner stressed that public awareness and timely reporting would be critical to preventing the spread of the disease, adding that the government was intensifying risk communication across the state.
She urged residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, while avoiding direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected or confirmed cases and contaminated materials.
Ajetunmobi also called on residents experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola to contact a health facility or the appropriate public health authority without delay.
Reiterating the government’s position, she said, “There is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Oyo State.”
She urged residents to remain vigilant without panic and cooperate with public health authorities, noting that collective action was essential to safeguarding public health.
Residents who wish to report a suspected case or seek assistance can contact the following emergency lines:
Ibadan Zone
– 0803374205
– 08025245809
– 08033515158
– 07039531882
Ogbomoso Zone
– 08195531882
– 08024347856
Oyo Zone
– 08132407856
– 08033397856
Ibarapa Zone
– 08020325728
– 08020335728
Oke-Ogun Zone
– 09062433608
– 07067737410
