The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has placed airlines and airport operators on high alert following the resurgence of the Ebola Virus Disease in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The aviation regulator says surveillance has now been intensified at Nigeria’s international airports as part of efforts to prevent any possible cross-border spread of the deadly virus.
In a directive to airlines, flight crews and other aviation stakeholders, the NCAA says the action follows the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the outbreak as a global public health emergency.
Although no Ebola case has been linked to Nigeria, the authority says it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Port Health Services to closely monitor developments.
The NCAA has directed pilots to immediately report any suspected communicable disease onboard aircraft, while airlines are to ensure proper health documentation, emergency medical kits and strict infection prevention measures are in place.
The authority is also urging crew members and airport personnel to remain vigilant, as symptoms of Ebola include sudden fever, severe weakness, vomiting and bleeding complications.
The NCAA says early detection, prompt reporting and strict compliance with public health protocols remain critical to protecting passengers and preventing the spread of the disease through air travel.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen