The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, alongside health and safety agencies, has stepped up preventive measures against the spread of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, across the country’s airports and borders.

This comes as stakeholders in the aviation sector urged airline operators not to transport passengers showing symptoms linked to the deadly disease in order to reduce the risk of international transmission.

Officials from the Port Health Services, PHS, disclosed that stricter surveillance procedures have already been activated at Nigeria’s entry points, including international airports.

According to the agency, measures currently in place include temperature checks, passenger health monitoring, and the use of QR code technology to improve health declaration processes and aid follow-up investigations when necessary.

The disclosure was made during a workshop on Ebola preparedness and prevention organised by FAAN in partnership with health and aviation agencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Representatives of health authorities and border control agencies said monitoring efforts have been strengthened, especially for travellers arriving from countries considered high-risk, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where Ebola cases have raised concerns.

Participants at the workshop stressed the need for stronger cooperation among aviation authorities, health institutions, security agencies and other government bodies to ensure quick detection and response to any suspected Ebola case.

Medical experts at the event also highlighted symptoms commonly associated with the disease, such as fever, unusual bleeding, sudden weight loss and other severe health complications.

They further advised Nigerians and air travellers to maintain proper hygiene, wash hands regularly, avoid unnecessary physical contact and promptly report suspected symptoms to health authorities.