The management of Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu Airport, Akure, has intensified preventive measures against Ebola following the confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Airport Manager, Mrs Yemisi Adebiyi, disclosed this in an interview with The Hope, assuring that the safety of passengers, workers and other airport users remained a priority.
She said the management had strengthened collaboration with Port Health Services to improve disease surveillance and thermal screening of arriving passengers.
Adebiyi added that handwashing points had been reactivated, while alcohol-based sanitisers were being provided at entry, boarding and exit points.
According to her, frontline personnel had also received briefings on infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment.
She said the airport had intensified the cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces across the terminal, restrooms and operational areas.
The manager further disclosed that a holding bay had been designated for suspected cases in line with established public health guidelines.
On preparedness, Adebiyi said the airport had an existing Public Health Emergency Plan developed and deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which would guide its response to any suspected Ebola case.
“Our procedure is clear: promptly identify, promptly isolate and promptly report to Port Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) without delay,” she said.
She urged passengers to remain calm, practise regular handwashing, avoid contact with the body fluids of symptomatic persons and cooperate with health officials.
Adebiyi added that the airport management was maintaining communication with the NCDC and the Ondo State Ministry of Health to ensure a coordinated response to the public health threat.
