EBOLA: Airlines warned against transporting suspected cases

By Dickson Omobola

Stakeholders in the air transport sector have urged airline operators to avoid transporting individuals suspected of showing symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in order to minimise the risk of cross-border transmission.

The call followed a disclosure by Port Health Services, PHS, that advanced screening and monitoring measures are currently being implemented across the country’s points of entry in response to the threat of EVD.

PHS said these include active temperature screening, health monitoring protocols and the deployment of QR code scanners to facilitate efficient passenger health declaration and follow-up procedures.

It said this during a workshop on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Preventive Measures held by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in collaboration with health and safety agencies, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Speaking during the workshop, representatives of health and border control agencies emphasised that surveillance activities had been intensified, particularly at international airports, with special attention placed on passengers arriving from high-risk countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Uganda and neighbouring regions affected by the disease.

Stakeholders at the workshop stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, aviation authorities, health institutions, and security agencies in ensuring rapid detection, reporting, and response to any suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease.

Medical experts also highlighted common symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease, including fever, unexplained bleeding, weight loss and related health complications. 

Participants stressed the importance of preventive measures such as regular hand washing, proper hygiene, avoidance of unnecessary physical contact, strengthened surveillance systems and prompt identification and isolation of suspected cases.

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