Authorities in Nigeria’s aviation sector have intensified health surveillance and emergency response measures across international airports following renewed fears over the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in parts of Central and East Africa.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority have both activated strict monitoring systems aimed at preventing any possible importation of the deadly virus into the country. Passengers arriving from countries considered high risk are now undergoing enhanced health screening as officials remain on high alert for suspected symptoms linked to Ebola.
According to reports, travellers are being checked for symptoms such as fever, fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding manifestations, while any suspected case will immediately be isolated for further medical examination in line with international health protocols. Authorities stressed that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, but preventive actions have become necessary due to the rising cases reported in some African countries. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
FAAN, through its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, assured Nigerians and the international travelling community that robust safety measures have already been deployed at airports nationwide. The agency explained that it was collaborating closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services and other relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance and rapid response operations.
The NCAA also directed airlines and aviation operators to intensify onboard disease monitoring and ensure full compliance with public health regulations. Pilots were instructed to immediately report any suspected communicable disease noticed during flights, while airlines were ordered to reinforce crew training on the identification and management of infectious diseases.
Health authorities disclosed that the latest outbreak has been linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which experts described as highly severe, with limited treatment options and no widely approved vaccine currently available for that particular strain. Reports further indicated that hundreds of suspected cases and several deaths have already been recorded within affected regions in Africa, increasing fears of cross-border transmission through international travel.
Despite the growing concerns, Nigerian authorities urged citizens not to panic, insisting that the country’s airports remain safe and operational. Travellers were advised to cooperate fully with health officials during screening procedures and immediately report any unusual health symptoms while travelling.
