Olushola Omogbehin
Following the outbreak of Ebola Virus in some areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has offered a public health advisory to airlines, air navigation service providers, and aerodrome operators.
The airport authority in a statement signed by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, has 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.
Aviation regulator 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 increase surveillance and preventive measures in every airport in Nigeria and other entry points.
Aviation regulator further revealed that the Democratic Republic of the Congo had discovered a cluster of serious illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone, with laboratory investigations later confirming the presence of the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola.
According to NCAA, “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.
“There is presently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for Bundibugyo virus disease, while treatment remains largely supportive and symptom-based.”
Some symptoms linked with the disease are sudden fever, severe weakness, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.
Already, the agency said workers had been put on red alert and travelers properly screened for symptoms associated with Ebola. Any suspected case would immediately be isolated for further examination in conformity with national and international health safety protocols.
In times of health emergencies, health workers are usually stationed at the arrival point of the international wing of the airport, screening passengers before they proceed through immigration and customs checks.
NCAA has directed airlines and aviation operators to strengthen onboard disease surveillance and ensure strict compliance with public health procedures as part of measures to prevent possible importation of the disease into Nigeria.
“Pilots-in-Command shall immediately notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease case onboard an aircraft, ” the authority further instructed.
Also, flight crew members must also complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases.
Instructing further, “Operators shall reinforce crew training and awareness on the identification and management of communicable diseases onboard aircraft.”
Cabin crew members were also ordered to strictly comply with airline Standard Operating Procedures and International Air Transport Association guidelines relating to infection prevention and management of suspected infectious diseases during flight operations.
