NCAA Issues Ebola Alert to Airlines, Airport Operators Following Outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a public health advisory to all airlines, air navigation service providers, and aerodrome operators in response to the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
In a directive signed by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, the authority warned that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case linked to the current outbreak, the aviation sector remains a critical frontline in preventing cross-border transmission.
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority wishes to notify all aviation stakeholders of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda,” the circular stated.
The NCAA said it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Port Health Services, and international public health organisations to intensify surveillance and preventive measures across airports and other points of entry.
According to the regulator, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo identified a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone, with laboratory investigations confirming the presence of the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola.
The memo noted that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo virus disease, and treatment remains largely supportive and symptom-based. Symptoms associated with the disease include sudden fever, severe weakness, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had recently assured travellers and stakeholders that stringent preventive measures had been activated across the nation’s international airports following renewed concerns over Ebola. The agency stated that health workers had been placed on red alert and passengers were being screened for symptoms, with any suspected case to be immediately isolated for further examination in line with national and international health safety protocols.
However, efforts to independently verify FAAN’s claims were unsuccessful as of press time. Health workers are typically stationed at the arrival points of international terminals to screen passengers before immigration and customs checks, an area restricted to non-travelling persons without official clearance. Multiple calls placed to FAAN spokesperson Henry Agbebire to confirm the deployment of health personnel went unanswered.
As part of measures to prevent the possible importation of the disease, the NCAA directed airlines and operators to strengthen onboard disease surveillance and ensure strict compliance with public health procedures.
The authority instructed that pilots-in-command must immediately notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease case onboard an aircraft. Flight crew members are also required to complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases.
Operators were further directed to reinforce crew training and awareness on the identification and management of communicable diseases onboard. Cabin crew members must strictly comply with airline Standard Operating Procedures and International Air Transport Association guidelines on infection prevention and the management of suspected infectious diseases during flight operations.
The regulator also emphasised that passengers showing symptoms suggestive of infectious illnesses should be encouraged to promptly report themselves to cabin crew for proper assessment and response. Additionally, airlines were warned not to transport human remains into Nigeria without obtaining the necessary clearance from Port Health Services.
“Prompt reporting, effective coordination, and strict adherence to preventive measures remain critical in protecting passengers, crew members, and the general public from potential health threats,” the NCAA boss stated.