Zamfara Activates Ebola Surveillance After Passenger Arrives At Airport With 38°C Fever

The Zamfara State Government has activated Ebola surveillance and passenger screening at Gusau International Airport, major motor parks and other entry points after a traveller returning from Saudi Arabia was found with a body temperature of 38°C.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, disclosed the development on Friday while leading a medical team to launch the screening exercise at the airport.

According to the commissioner, the passenger, an indigene of Zamfara, was identified during routine screening after arriving from Saudi Arabia via EgyptAir. The traveller was referred for further medical assessment.

The state government said the surveillance measures were introduced to strengthen early detection and prevent the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.

Medical personnel have been deployed to the airport and major motor parks to screen travellers, assess individuals presenting symptoms of concern and promptly refer suspected cases for further evaluation.

The state Ministry of Health has also directed public and private health facilities, disease surveillance officers and local government health authorities to strengthen preparedness and immediately report suspected infections.

The Director of Public Health Services, Yusuf Abubakar, said the measures included improved screening and triage procedures, infection prevention and control, identification of travellers requiring further assessment, and the activation of response arrangements.

The government is working with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service, to strengthen surveillance at entry points. Transport workers are also expected to assist in identifying and reporting passengers who may require medical attention.

Maradun urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with health officials, emphasising the importance of surveillance and public awareness in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

The development comes amid heightened national vigilance following Nigeria’s confirmation of an Ebola case in the FCT. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and contact-tracing activities as part of efforts to contain the infection.

However, an elevated body temperature alone does not establish Ebola infection. As of the reported announcement, no confirmed Ebola diagnosis had been reported for the passenger identified in Zamfara.

The state government said it would continue screening travellers and strengthening preparedness across health facilities and transportation hubs to protect residents and support early detection of potential cases.