The federal government has issued a travel advisory warning Nigerians of health risks associated with Ethiopia’s high altitude following the deaths of 16 citizens in the country.
In the advisory issued Saturday by Oluwafemi Adeniyi,
foreign ministry spokesperson, the federal government urged Nigerians with
pre-existing medical conditions to exercise caution and seek appropriate
medical advice when planning journeys involving transit through Addis Ababa.
Addis Ababa is situated approximately 2,355 metres (7,726
feet) above sea level, where lower atmospheric pressure results in reduced
oxygen availability.
The altitude can come with dry air, greater ultraviolet
exposure, and increased fluid loss; these can worsen headaches and fatigue.
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort, like headaches and
shortness of breath, to more serious issues, such as brain swelling, which can
be life-threatening.
While healthy individuals are generally able to adapt to
reduced oxygen levels in high-altitude environments within a few days, persons
with certain pre-existing medical ailments, particularly cardiovascular and
respiratory conditions, may experience increased health risks in such
conditions.
This year, Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa
recorded 16 deaths involving citizens transiting through the city, reportedly
linked to health complications associated with the high altitude, according to
the statement.
The statement noted that the advisory is not intended to
discourage Nigerians from transiting through or travelling to Addis Ababa.
“Rather, it aims to ensure that persons who may be medically
vulnerable to the physiological effects of high altitudes are adequately
informed and encouraged to take necessary precautions before embarking on their
journeys,” the statement reads.
The government urged citizens to make informed decisions
during travel.
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