The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines, airport operators and other aviation stakeholders to strengthen public health surveillance measures following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

In a circular dated May 18, 2026, the aviation regulator said the directive was prompted by growing concerns over the spread of the disease and the aviation sector’s critical role in preventing cross-border transmission.

The NCAA stated that although no confirmed Ebola case linked to the current outbreak has been recorded in Nigeria, it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Port Health Services and international health organisations to monitor developments.

According to the authority, health officials in the DRC recently detected a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone in the northeastern region of the country. Subsequent laboratory investigations confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of the Ebola virus known to cause severe viral haemorrhagic fever in humans.

The NCAA noted that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain, while treatment remains largely supportive and focused on symptom management.

The authority listed common symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease to include sudden fever, severe fatigue, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.

It emphasised that early detection and prompt reporting are essential to preventing the international spread of the disease.

As part of the preventive measures introduced, the NCAA said disease surveillance systems at airports have been strengthened, while contact tracing, case reporting procedures and border health screening protocols are being reinforced nationwide.

The regulator also directed pilots to immediately notify Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease cases onboard aircraft, in accordance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

In addition, flight crew members have been instructed to complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases, while airlines are required to ensure that passenger locator forms are completed and handed over to Port Health Services upon arrival.

The NCAA further mandated airlines to ensure aircraft are adequately equipped with first aid kits, universal precaution kits and emergency medical kits.

It also urged operators to intensify crew training on the identification and management of communicable diseases and maintain strict compliance with infection prevention and control protocols.

The authority called on all aviation stakeholders to remain vigilant and fully adhere to established public health guidelines in order to safeguard passengers, crew members and the general public from potential health threats.