By Dickson Omobola
Following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has directed airlines and airport operators to deepen public health surveillance measures.
NCAA stated that while no confirmed case linked to the outbreak has been recorded in Nigeria, it was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Port Health Services and international health organisations to monitor the situation.
NCAA, in a circular dated May 18, 2026, said 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.
The authority listed 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.
According to the authority, early detection and immediate reporting remain critical to preventing the international spread of the disease.
NCAA said, as part of preventive measures, disease surveillance systems at airports had been strengthened, while contact tracing, case reporting mechanisms and border health screening procedures were also being reinforced.
It directed pilots to notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease cases onboard aircraft, in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while instructing flight crew members to complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases and mandated airlines to ensure passenger locator forms were completed and handed over to Port Health Services upon arrival.
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