Nigeria Steps Up Airport Health Screening Amid Ebola Fears

Nigeria has intensified health screening at its airports as authorities step up efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola following the confirmation of the country’s first case of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

Passengers arriving at Lagos airport have been subjected to temperature checks as part of strengthened health screening measures for international travellers. The development comes amid growing concerns over the spread of Ebola across parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Nigeria.

The Federal Government confirmed Nigeria’s first case on October 20, 2026, involving a woman who recently travelled from Uganda. Health authorities said the patient was receiving treatment in isolation and was in stable condition.

Authorities have so far identified 44 people who had contact with the patient, while contact tracing efforts have been intensified to identify and monitor anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.

The latest measures are aimed at identifying suspected infections early and reducing the risk of further transmission through international travel. Nigeria’s response is also drawing on its experience in 2014, when the country successfully contained an Ebola outbreak.

However, concerns have emerged over delays in diagnosing the latest case. According to Africanews, the patient was not tested for Ebola until 13 days after developing symptoms, raising questions about the speed of detection and the effectiveness of early screening.

The World Health Organization has described the wider outbreak as complex, as the virus continues to spread across different parts of the continent. Health experts have stressed the importance of surveillance, early diagnosis and coordinated action among affected countries.

Despite the concerns, experts have expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to contain the infection, pointing to the country’s previous success in controlling Ebola. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and trace contacts as efforts to prevent further transmission intensify.