Air transport stakeholders have called on airline operators to refrain from conveying passengers suspected of exhibiting symptoms linked to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), in a bid to reduce the risk of cross-border spread.
The advisory followed a statement from the Port Health Services (PHS), which disclosed that strengthened screening and surveillance measures are being enforced at various entry points across the country due to the potential threat of Ebola.
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According to PHS, the measures include enhanced temperature checks, health monitoring systems, and the use of QR code scanners to support passenger health declarations and tracking processes.
This was disclosed during a workshop on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness and prevention organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in partnership with relevant health and safety agencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
During the event, officials from health and border control agencies said surveillance had been stepped up, especially at international airports, with increased attention on travellers coming from high-risk countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and other affected neighbouring regions.
Participants at the workshop emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among government bodies, aviation regulators, health institutions, and security agencies to ensure swift identification, reporting, and response to any suspected Ebola case.
Health professionals also outlined key symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease, including fever, unexplained bleeding, weight loss, and other serious complications.
They further highlighted preventive measures such as regular handwashing, proper hygiene practices, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, strengthening monitoring systems, and ensuring prompt isolation of suspected cases.
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