NCAA issues Ebola alert to airlines, airport operators

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a public health advisory, alerting airlines, air navigation service providers, and aerodrome operators about the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This directive aims to bolster preventive measures within the aviation sector.

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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.

Although Nigeria has not registered any confirmed cases linked to these specific outbreaks, the NCAA emphasizes that the aviation sector plays a critical role in preventing the virus's cross-border transmission. The authority is actively collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Port Health Services, and international public health organizations to enhance surveillance and protective measures at airports and other entry points.

The circular details that health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo identified a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers, later confirmed by laboratory investigations to be the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola. The NCAA's internal memo highlights that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo virus, and treatment remains primarily supportive and symptom-based.

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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.

Key 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 has reportedly activated stringent preventive measures at the nation's international airports, placing health workers on high alert and screening travelers for Ebola-related symptoms. Suspected cases are to be immediately isolated according to national and international health safety protocols.

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There is presently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease, while treatment remains largely supportive and symptom-based.