Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation and public health sectors have called on airline operators to refrain from transporting passengers suspected of exhibiting symptoms linked to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), as authorities intensify efforts to prevent cross-border transmission of the deadly virus.
The warning came amid revelations by the Port Health Services (PHS) that enhanced screening and monitoring measures have been activated at the nation’s entry points in response to growing concerns over the spread of Ebola in parts of Africa.
According to the agency, the measures include active temperature screening, strict health monitoring procedures, and the deployment of QR code scanners to improve passenger health declaration and follow-up processes.
The disclosure was made during a workshop on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Preventive Measures organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in collaboration with health and safety agencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, representatives of health and border control agencies said surveillance operations had been intensified at international airports, with particular focus on passengers arriving from high-risk countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and other neighbouring regions currently battling Ebola outbreaks.
Stakeholders at the workshop underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, aviation authorities, healthcare institutions, and security operatives to ensure swift detection, reporting, and response to any suspected Ebola case.
Medical experts at the forum also outlined key symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease, including persistent fever, unexplained bleeding, rapid weight loss, and other severe health complications.
Participants further stressed the importance of preventive measures such as regular hand washing, maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, strengthening surveillance systems, and ensuring the prompt identification and isolation of suspected cases.
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