The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has issued a public health advisory to airlines, air navigation service providers, and aerodrome operators following 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, Chris Najomo, and obtained by our correspondent, the authority warned that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case linked to the outbreak, the aviation sector remains a major frontline in protecting the country against 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.
According to the aviation regulator, it is already working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Port Health Services, and international public health organisations to intensify surveillance and preventive measures across airports and other entry points.
The aviation regulator disclosed that health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had identified a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone, with laboratory investigations later confirming the presence of the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola.
In the internal memo, the NCAA said, “The Authority is actively monitoring developments in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Port Health Services, and relevant international Public Health Organizations.
“There is presently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease, while treatment remains largely supportive and symptom-based.”
The authority listed symptoms associated with the disease to include sudden fever, severe weakness, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.
Recall that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria 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 explained that health workers had been put on red alert and travellers were being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, adding that any suspected case would immediately be isolated for further examination in line with both national and international health safety protocols.
Meanwhile, efforts to confirm the airport authority’s claim were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. In times of health emergencies, health workers are usually stationed at the arrival point of the international wing of the airport, screening passengers before they proceed through immigration and customs checks.
This area is out of bounds for non-travelling persons except with the authorities’ clearance. However, multiple calls were put across to FAAN spokesperson, Henry Agbebire, to enable our correspondent to verify whether health workers had been stationed there. He neither picked up nor responded to the calls.
As part of measures to prevent possible importation of the disease into Nigeria, the NCAA directed airlines and aviation operators to strengthen onboard disease surveillance and ensure strict compliance with public health procedures.
The authority further instructed that, “Pilots-in-Command shall immediately notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease case onboard an aircraft.” It stated that flight crew members must also complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases.
The authority further said, “Operators shall reinforce crew training and awareness on the identification and management of communicable diseases onboard aircraft.”
Cabin crew members were also ordered to strictly comply with airline Standard Operating Procedures and International Air Transport Association guidelines relating to infection prevention and management of suspected infectious diseases during flight operations.
The regulator stressed that passengers showing symptoms suggestive of infectious illnesses should be encouraged to promptly report themselves to cabin crew members for proper assessment and response.
Airlines were also warned not to transport human remains into Nigeria without obtaining the necessary clearance from Port Health Services. The NCAA boss added, “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.”
