The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has placed the aviation sector on high alert following an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, directing airports and airlines to strengthen health surveillance and preventive measures.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has directed airlines, airport operators and aviation stakeholders to intensify public health surveillance following an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
In a circular dated May 18, the NCAA said health authorities in the DRC detected a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone, later confirmed as the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. No licensed vaccine exists specifically for this strain, with treatment remaining largely supportive.
Although no confirmed case has been recorded in Nigeria, the authority said it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the NCDC and Port Health Services to monitor developments.
As part of emergency measures, the NCAA directed pilots to immediately notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease cases onboard, while airlines were ordered to ensure passenger locator forms are properly completed and handed to Port Health Services upon arrival.
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