The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines, airport operators, and other aviation stakeholders to intensify health surveillance measures at airports following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The directive, issued in a circular dated May 18, 2026, comes amid rising concerns over the potential cross-border spread of the disease through international travel routes.
The authority said the aviation sector plays a critical role in preventing the importation and exportation of infectious diseases, hence the need for stricter monitoring at entry and exit points.
Although no Ebola case linked to the current outbreak has been recorded in Nigeria, the NCAA said it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Port Health Services, and international health bodies to monitor developments.
According to health authorities in the DRC, a cluster of severe illnesses was recently detected among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone in the northeastern region of the country.
Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a highly infectious haemorrhagic disease known to cause severe illness in humans.
The NCAA noted that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain, while treatment remains largely supportive, focusing on symptom management.
It outlined common symptoms of Ebola Virus disease to include sudden fever, extreme fatigue, severe headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in some cases, bleeding such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.
The authority stressed that early detection, prompt reporting, and strict surveillance remain essential in preventing international spread.
As part of preventive measures, the NCAA said surveillance systems at airports have been strengthened, alongside improved contact tracing, reporting mechanisms, and border health screening procedures.
The agency also directed pilots to immediately inform Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease cases onboard aircraft, in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
It further instructed flight crew to complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for suspected cases and ensure that passenger locator forms are handed over to Port Health Services upon arrival.
Airlines were also directed to ensure aircraft are equipped with first aid kits, universal precaution kits, and emergency medical kits at all times.
NCAA also urged operators to reinforce crew training on the identification and management of infectious diseases, as well as strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols.
It called on all aviation stakeholders to remain vigilant and fully comply with established public health guidelines to protect passengers, crew members, and the general public from potential health risks.
