Lagos, Nigeria — Nigeria has intensified health screening for international travellers at its airports following confirmation of the country’s first case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, as health authorities work to prevent further transmission.

Passengers arriving at Lagos airport are undergoing temperature checks and other screening procedures as officials strengthen surveillance amid concerns about the spread of the virus across parts of Africa.

The confirmed patient had returned to Nigeria from Uganda, travelling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nigerian health authorities said the patient was being isolated and remained in stable condition, while contact-tracing efforts were under way to identify people who might have been exposed.

Officials had identified 44 contacts at the time of the report and were intensifying efforts to locate others who may have come into contact with the patient. However, concerns have emerged over reports that the patient was not tested for Ebola until 13 days after symptoms began.

The developments have prompted anxiety among some international travellers. Patrick Akwongu, a Nigerian passenger returning from Italy through Addis Ababa, said he was concerned about the possibility of the virus spreading in Nigeria, given the country’s large population.

Other passengers expressed confidence in the precautions being taken. Bezalel Mfashingabo, arriving from Nairobi, Kenya, said he was not particularly worried but intended to take personal precautions, adding that measures were also being implemented in Kenya following its recent cases.

The outbreak has raised wider regional concerns. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been dealing with a major Ebola outbreak since May, while infections have also been reported in Kenya and Nigeria. Uganda, which recorded 20 cases during its outbreak, was declared Ebola-free in August.

Despite the growing concerns, Nigeria has previous experience containing Ebola. During the 2014 outbreak, the country successfully interrupted transmission after the virus was introduced by an infected traveller, a response that has provided valuable experience for its current public health efforts.

The World Health Organization has described the cross-regional spread of Ebola as a complex challenge for Africa. Health authorities continue to focus on early detection, isolation, contact tracing and public health surveillance to reduce the risk of further infections.

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