Airport Health Checks: What to Expect When Flying Into Nigeria

Photo: The Punch

Nigeria Steps Up Airport Health Screening - Here's What You Need to Know

If you're planning to fly into Nigeria soon, especially if you're coming back from Hajj or any international trip, you go need to prepare your mind for some extra health checks at the airport o! The Federal Government has activated emergency screening protocols to prevent any potential Ebola outbreak from entering our shores.

As a frequent traveler or someone expecting loved ones back from pilgrimage, you probably dey wonder wetin exactly this screening involves. Make I break am down for you based on what health officials have put in place.

What the Screening Process Looks Like

When you land at any major Nigerian airport - whether na Lagos, Abuja, Kano, or Port Harcourt - you go encounter health officials before you even reach immigration. These aren't your regular airport staff; these are trained medical personnel equipped with screening tools.

First thing they go do is check your temperature using those contactless thermometers. If your temperature is above normal (usually 38°C or 100.4°F), that's when wahala go start. You might be asked to step aside for further examination.

The health officials will also ask you questions about:

• Which countries you visited in the past 21 days
• Whether you've been feeling unwell recently
• If you had contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness
• Your vaccination status and health history

Special Attention for Hajj Returnees

If you're coming back from Hajj, the screening process might be a bit more thorough. This isn't because the Saudi authorities are not doing their job well - it's simply because large gatherings from different countries create higher risk for disease transmission.

The Nigerian Hajj Commission and health authorities have been coordinating to ensure all returning pilgrims are properly screened. Some returnees might be asked to provide contact information for follow-up monitoring over the next few days.

Don't take offense if they ask plenty questions - na their job to protect all of us. The officials are specifically looking out for symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, or diarrhea that could indicate viral hemorrhagic fever.

How to Prepare for Smooth Screening

To make your airport experience less stressful, here are some practical tips:

Have Your Documents Ready: Keep your passport, vaccination certificates, and any medical records easily accessible. If you received any medical treatment abroad, carry those documents too.

Be Honest About Your Health: If you've been feeling unwell, don't hide am o! It's better to declare it upfront than to lie and potentially spread illness. The health officials are there to help, not to punish you.

Dress Appropriately: Wear light clothing that makes temperature checks easier. You might need to remove outer layers or accessories for proper screening.

Allow Extra Time: Factor in additional 15-30 minutes for health screening when planning your arrival. Better to be early than to rush through the process.

What Happens If You're Flagged?

If the screening reveals any concerns, don't panic. Being flagged doesn't automatically mean you have Ebola. You might just need additional observation or testing. The health officials will:

• Conduct more detailed health assessment
• Possibly collect samples for laboratory testing
• Provide you with health monitoring guidelines
• Give you emergency contact numbers

In some cases, you might be asked to self-monitor your health for up to 21 days and report any symptoms. This is standard protocol and nothing to be ashamed of.

Why This Screening Matters for All of Us

Some people might complain say the screening process is too much, but make we remember what happened during the 2014 Ebola outbreak when Patrick Sawyer brought the virus into Lagos. Nigeria was fortunate to contain it quickly, but we lost good people in the process.

These preventive measures are actually protecting our families and communities. The screening might seem inconvenient, but it's far better than dealing with an outbreak that could shut down our economy and endanger lives.

Supporting Our Health Workers

As you go through the screening process, please show patience and respect to the health workers. These people are standing for hours, checking hundreds of passengers daily to keep us safe. A simple "thank you" or cooperation can make their challenging job easier.

If you notice any symptoms after traveling - whether you were screened or not - please contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) immediately. Their toll-free number is 080097000010.

Remember, health security na everybody's responsibility. By cooperating with these screening measures, we're all contributing to keeping Nigeria safe and healthy. Safe travels!