The Adamawa State Government has unveiled plans to introduce compulsory health checks for all travellers entering the state to prevent the possible importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chubado Mohammed Jada, announced the measure during an emergency meeting with the State Rapid Response Team at the State Infectious Disease Centre. Discussions focused on the state’s level of preparedness and response plans in the event of a possible Ebola outbreak.
Jada explained that screening would take place at Yola International Airport, motor parks, and designated entry points along the River Benue. Health workers would conduct visual checks, take temperatures where necessary, and ask brief questions about travellers’ health, recent journeys, and potential contact with Ebola cases.
Travellers who show symptoms or satisfy the criteria for suspected Ebola infection will be referred for further medical assessment in accordance with established public health guidelines.
The government has also activated its Rapid Response Team and Emergency Operations Centre, expanded disease monitoring across all 21 local government areas, reinforced activities at the State Infectious Disease Centre, and commenced public sensitisation campaigns.
Jada said collaboration among surveillance, laboratory, logistics, risk communication, and case management teams was being strengthened to facilitate a timely and effective response to any suspected outbreak.
Residents and travellers have been encouraged to cooperate with health officials and promptly report suspected infections. Authorities noted that common Ebola symptoms include fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding, while acknowledging that other illnesses can produce similar symptoms.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through improved surveillance, emergency readiness, and cooperation with health partners. Officials expressed confidence that the proposed screening arrangements would strengthen early detection and response to potential public health threats.
