The Lagos State Government on Friday said the last suspected
case of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state had been cleared having tested
negative after surveilance.
Governor Babatunde Fashola disclosed this 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 22nd.
“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.