The Oyo State Government has strengthened its preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), activating disease surveillance arrangements across all 33 local government areas and reinforcing emergency response measures following the confirmation of a case in Nigeria.
The state government said it had prepared its infectious disease facility at Olodo, strengthened infection prevention measures in healthcare facilities and intensified public awareness to help detect and respond quickly to any suspected infection.
However, Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said no confirmed Ebola case had been recorded in the state as of her October 21 update. She urged residents to remain vigilant without panicking or spreading unverified information.
The preparedness measures come as national health authorities respond to a confirmed case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Oyo Activates Surveillance Across 33 Local Government Areas
Ajetunmobi said the state had been preparing since June 2026 to strengthen its capacity to respond to potential outbreaks of Ebola and other infectious diseases, including diphtheria.
According to the commissioner, disease surveillance units have been activated across the state's 33 local government areas to improve the detection and reporting of suspected cases.
The government is also working with relevant ministries, health institutions and epidemiology teams to coordinate surveillance and emergency preparedness.
The collaboration involves the Ministries of Health, Information, Agriculture and Environment, alongside the Epidemiology Unit of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
The state has also distributed public health information materials to healthcare facilities, providing guidance on Ebola transmission, preventive measures and emergency contact channels.
Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo Prepared
As part of the response arrangements, the government said the Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo had been prepared to support the management of potential cases.
Ajetunmobi added that trained healthcare personnel, including laboratory teams responsible for collecting and testing samples, were available to respond to suspected infections.
Healthcare facilities have also been advised to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Health workers have been urged to maintain a high level of suspicion when assessing patients whose symptoms could indicate Ebola, particularly where there is a relevant exposure history.
The measures are intended to improve early detection, protect medical personnel and reduce the risk of possible transmission within healthcare facilities.
Nigeria Confirms Ebola Case in the FCT
Oyo's heightened preparedness follows confirmation by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) of an Ebola case in the FCT on October 20, 2026.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the patient was a woman with a recent travel history to Uganda. She was placed in isolation and was receiving medical care following laboratory confirmation.
In its situation report dated October 24, the NCDC said 53 contacts linked to the confirmed case had been identified and were being followed up.
The agency also reported that a suspected case recorded in Rivers State on October 23 tested negative for Ebola.
The national response includes contact tracing, monitoring potentially exposed individuals, strengthening infection prevention in healthcare facilities and maintaining surveillance for further suspected cases.
The confirmed case in the FCT does not mean that Ebola has been confirmed in Oyo State. Authorities continue to distinguish between confirmed infections and precautionary preparedness measures.
Ebola Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention
The Oyo health commissioner warned that early Ebola symptoms may resemble those of other illnesses, including malaria, making prompt medical assessment important.
Symptoms can include:
Sudden fever
Severe headache
Muscle or joint pain
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Unexplained bleeding in some cases
The incubation period for Ebola can range from two to 21 days after exposure.
The disease can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, as well as through contaminated materials. Residents should avoid direct contact with such fluids and follow guidance from public health authorities.
Anyone who develops concerning symptoms after a possible exposure should contact a healthcare facility or public health authority promptly and follow their instructions. Symptoms alone do not establish that a person has Ebola.
Oyo Government Urges Residents to Remain Calm
The state government has advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser where appropriate.
Residents have also been urged to avoid contact with potentially contaminated materials, seek professional medical advice when necessary and cooperate with public health teams.
The government stressed that early reporting, reliable information and coordination among health workers, public institutions and local communities are essential to preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Residents who need assistance or want to report a suspected case can contact the appropriate Oyo State health authority through the published zonal emergency numbers.
What Happens Next?
Oyo State's immediate priority is to maintain surveillance, ensure healthcare facilities are prepared and help residents understand how to reduce the risk of infection.
The state is also expected to continue coordinating with national health agencies and other relevant partners as Nigeria's Ebola response develops.
For now, officials have urged residents to remain alert, follow verified public health advice and avoid spreading rumours. The state government's message is that preparedness and early reporting are essential, while there is no confirmed Ebola case in Oyo State in the latest update cited.