Ebola: Airlines Advised Not to Transport Suspected Cases

By Dickson Omobola

Air transport stakeholders have urged airlines to refrain from carrying passengers who may be showing symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in order to reduce the risk of cross‑border spread.

The appeal came after Port Health Services (PHS) announced that enhanced screening and monitoring protocols are now in place at the country’s points of entry to counter the threat of EVD.

PHS said the measures include active temperature checks, health monitoring procedures and the use of QR code scanners to streamline passenger health declarations and follow‑up.

These developments were disclosed during a workshop on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness and preventive measures, organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) together with health and safety agencies at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

During the workshop, representatives from health and border‑control agencies highlighted that surveillance activities have been intensified, especially at international airports, with a focus on passengers arriving from high‑risk countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and nearby regions affected by the disease.

Participants stressed the need for close cooperation among government bodies, aviation authorities, health institutions and security agencies to ensure rapid detection, reporting and response to any suspected Ebola case.

Medical experts outlined the common symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease, including fever, unexplained bleeding, weight loss and related health complications.

They also emphasised preventive measures such as regular hand washing, proper hygiene, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, strengthening surveillance systems and promptly identifying and isolating suspected cases.

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