Ebola Alert: 7 Things Travellers Should Know About Airports, Parks

Following a confirmed Ebola Virus Disease case in Abuja, Nigeria, involving a passenger who recently arrived from Uganda, aviation and health authorities have heightened surveillance.

Airport operators such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are deploying active countermeasures to prevent further transmission. 

Here are 7 things travellers must know about navigating airports, transit hubs, and parks during this period:

1. Increased Airport Surveillance                                                                               The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced heightened surveillance across airports following the confirmation of Ebola in Abuja. The measures are being implemented in collaboration with relevant public health and aviation regulatory agencies to minimise the risk of further transmission. The measures are intended to protect passengers, airport personnel and other stakeholders while supporting efforts to prevent further transmission. Travellers are therefore advised to comply with airport authorities, follow screening procedures, and provide accurate information when asked about their travel and health history. 
2. Travellers Should Check With Health Advisories Before Visiting Affected Countries                                                                                                              People planning trips to affected countries are advised to check in with official health advisories before travelling. The World Health Organisation says the risk of infection is linked to exposure to the virus, particularly through contact with infected people, their bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Therefore, travellers should rely on information from official health authorities and avoid relying on social media before making decisions about their travels. Passengers arriving in Nigeria from countries with confirmed cases must complete an official Ebola health declaration questionnaire before boarding. Travellers are strongly encouraged to complete the form in advance via the NCDC Health Portal. 

   However, this requirement doesn’t apply to every passenger arriving in Nigeria. Travellers are advised to check the latest guidelines to confirm whether or not they need to complete the form. 

   3. Health Declaration Forms May Be Required 

   Passengers arriving in Nigeria from countries with confirmed cases must complete an official Ebola health declaration questionnaire before boarding. 

   Travellers are strongly encouraged to complete the form in advance via the NCDC Health Portal. 

   However, this requirement doesn’t apply to every passenger arriving in Nigeria. Travellers are advised to check the latest guidelines to confirm whether or not they need to complete the form. 

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   4. The 21-Day Window Matters

   Ebola Virus has a 21-day monitoring period, which means symptoms can develop up to 3 weeks after infection. 

   Travellers are urged to monitor themselves for symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. 

   However, the monitoring period does not mean every traveller returning from an affected country must automatically isolate or undergo contact tracing. The measures applied depend on the person’s exposure history and the guidance of public health authorities.

   Travellers who health officials contact as part of an investigation should cooperate with the monitoring process and promptly report any symptoms.

   5. Passengers Using Public Transport, Motor Parks Should Be Vigilant

   Travellers using public transportation, buses, or other vehicles should ensure they maintain good hand hygiene and avoid contact with anyone who appears ill. 

   However, Ebola does not spread simply because people occupy the same public space. Being at a crowded motor park does not automatically put someone at risk of infection.

   Transport operators, park managers and passengers should therefore follow proper public health guidance, maintain appropriate hygiene facilities and cooperate with health authorities if a suspected case or potential exposure is identified.  

   6. Isolation Rules and Self- Travel Restrictions

   Health agencies have the legal authority to enforce isolation on anyone exhibiting symptoms of the disease. If you fall ill after travelling through an affected region, do not board public transit or commercial flights. You are advised to shelter in place and call emergency numbers (such as Nigeria’s NCDC toll-free line at 6232), so a specialised health team can respond safely. 

   7. Understand How the Virus Spreads, and Maintain Personal Hygiene. Understanding how Ebola Virus Spreads is essential for reducing the risk of infection, especially for passengers travelling through busy airports, motor parks, and other public spaces.

   The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that the virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, or someone who has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with objects contaminated with infected bodily fluids.

   Travellers are advised to practise regular handwashing with soap and clean water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when handwashing facilities are unavailable. 

   Because vaccines and treatments for the virus may be limited, it is essential for travellers to strictly follow public health guidance and not assume that vaccination or personal hygiene alone eliminates the risk of infection.