The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that it is ramping up medical surveillance across airports nationwide following the official confirmation of an Ebola virus case within the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the authority said it was working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies to support efforts to contain the disease.
FAAN said the early identification of the case and commencement of contact tracing highlighted the importance of established public health protocols, effective surveillance and collaboration among relevant agencies.
The authority added that it would continue to coordinate with public health officials and implement further measures as directed to protect passengers, airport personnel and the general public.
FAAN urged passengers, airport users, airlines and other stakeholders to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with health officials.
It also advised the public to rely on verified information and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports about the outbreak.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant agencies to safeguard public health and ensure the safe operation of Nigeria’s airports.
What You Should Know
Following the detection of an Ebola case in Abuja, aviation authorities have intensified health screenings and monitoring protocols across all airports in Nigeria to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Positive Impact: Enhanced surveillance and active contact tracing help contain the virus early, protecting travelers, airport staff, and the general public from a major outbreak.
- Potential Concerns: Passengers might experience minor delays during airport check-ins and screening processes due to stricter health protocols.
