Airlines Urged to Bar Suspected Ebola Cases as Nigeria Strengthens Airport Screening
Authorities intensify surveillance and health monitoring at entry points to prevent cross-border spread of Ebola Virus Disease.
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have urged airlines to avoid transporting passengers showing symptoms linked to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as health authorities ramp up screening and surveillance measures at airports and border entry points to curb potential cross-border transmission.
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s air transport sector have called on airline operators to exercise caution by preventing the movement of passengers suspected of exhibiting symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), as authorities heighten preparedness efforts nationwide.
The appeal followed disclosures by the Port Health Services (PHS) that advanced health surveillance measures have been activated across the country’s points of entry to strengthen early detection and response mechanisms.
According to the agency, current preventive actions include active temperature screening, passenger health monitoring protocols, and the deployment of QR code systems to improve health declarations and enable efficient follow-up procedures.
The measures were highlighted 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.
During the workshop, representatives of health and border management agencies stated that surveillance activities had been intensified, especially at international airports, with increased monitoring of passengers arriving from countries considered high-risk, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and nearby affected regions.
Participants stressed that coordinated action among government institutions, aviation regulators, health authorities, and security agencies remains essential for the timely detection, reporting, and containment of any suspected Ebola cases.
Medical experts at the event also outlined common symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease, including fever, unexplained bleeding, significant weight loss, and other related health complications.
They further encouraged strict adherence to preventive measures such as regular hand washing, improved hygiene practices, minimising unnecessary physical contact, strengthening surveillance systems, and ensuring prompt identification and isolation of suspected cases to protect public health.
