Public Health: NCAA directs enhanced surveillance at airports over Ebola virus

*The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority directs airlines, aviation operators, and other industry stakeholders to emphasise public health surveillance measures across the country’s airports

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Following the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines, airport operators, and other aviation stakeholders, to intensify public health surveillance measures at airports.

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The NCAA, which said this in a circular dated May 18, 2026, explained the directive became necessary due to growing concerns over the spread of the disease, and the critical role of the aviation sector in preventing cross-border transmission.

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The aviation sector regulatory agency clarified that though no confirmed, recorded case linked to the outbreak in Nigeria, it is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Port Health Services and international health organisations to closely monitor the situation.

It is recalled that health authorities in the DRC recently identified a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone in the northeastern part of the country.

Laboratory investigations later confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of the Ebola virus family known to cause severe viral haemorrhagic disease in humans.

There is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain, while treatment remains largely supportive and symptom-based, stated the Authority.

The NCAA as well highlighted symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease to include sudden fever, severe fatigue, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding manifestations, such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.

The aviation regulator also emphasised that early detection and immediate reporting remain critical to preventing the international spread of the disease.

Still, as part of preventive measures, the NCAA said disease surveillance systems at airports had been strengthened, while contact tracing, case reporting mechanisms and border health screening procedures are also being reinforced.

It equally directed pilots to notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease cases onboard aircraft, in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

The Authority instructed flight crew members to complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases and mandated airlines to ensure passenger locator forms are completed and handed over to Port Health Services upon arrival.

Airlines, the NCAA asserted, must ensure aircraft are properly equipped with first aid kits, universal precaution kits and emergency medical kits.

The notice, therefore, urged operators to reinforce crew training on the identification and management of communicable diseases, and ensure strict adherence to infection prevention and control guidelines.

It urged all aviation stakeholders to remain vigilant and comply fully with established public health protocols to safeguard passengers, crew members, and the general public from potential health threats in Nigeria.

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