The Zamfara State Government has intensified disease surveillance at airports, motor parks and other entry points after a returning traveller was found with a body temperature of 38°C at Gusau International Airport.

The passenger, an indigene of the state who reportedly arrived from Saudi Arabia, was flagged during screening and referred for further medical assessment.

Nafisa Maradun, the state commissioner for health, disclosed the development while leading a medical team to launch passenger screening at the airport.

She said health personnel had also been deployed to major motor parks and other entry points to strengthen early detection and reporting of suspected cases.

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

The government is also collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and transport workers to improve surveillance and identify travellers who may require medical attention.

Health facilities have been instructed to reinforce infection prevention measures, screening procedures and referral arrangements as part of efforts to prevent a possible outbreak.

The surveillance measures come amid Nigeria’s response to a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), prompting heightened vigilance across the country.

The Zamfara government has urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with health officials and report symptoms of concern to the nearest health facility.

However, an elevated body temperature alone does not confirm Ebola infection. The available report did not establish that the traveller had tested positive for the virus.