The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has heightened surveillance across the country’s airports following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
FAAN said it is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies to support ongoing efforts to contain the infection.
Nigeria confirmed its first imported case of the current Ebola outbreak on Tuesday after laboratory tests detected the Bundibugyo strain in a woman who recently arrived in the country on an international flight from Uganda.
The patient, who developed symptoms on October 7, was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja on October 11 and is currently in isolation receiving medical care. Health authorities have so far identified 44 contacts, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts, who are being monitored.
FAAN said the early identification of the case and commencement of contact tracing highlight the importance of effective surveillance, established public health protocols and cooperation among agencies responsible for protecting travellers and airport personnel.
The airport authority said it would continue to coordinate with public health authorities and implement any additional measures considered necessary to safeguard passengers, airport workers and the wider public.
FAAN also urged passengers, airlines, airport users and other stakeholders to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with health officials.
The authority advised members of the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports about the Ebola situation.
The World Health Organisation has urged countries in the region to maintain heightened surveillance at points of entry and ensure rapid response systems remain operational as the Ebola outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, continues to spread across parts of Africa.
FAAN reassured travellers that it remains committed to supporting the national response and maintaining safe airport operations across Nigeria.