The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has issued a public health advisory to airlines, air navigation service providers, and aerodrome operators following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
In a directive signed by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, and obtained by our correspondent, the authority warned that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case linked to the outbreak, the aviation sector remains a major frontline in protecting the country against cross-border transmission.
“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,” the circular stated.
According to the aviation regulator, it is already working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Port Health Services, and international public health organisations to intensify surveillance and preventive measures across airports and other entry points.
The aviation regulator disclosed that health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had identified a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone, with laboratory investigations later confirming the presence of the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola.
