The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed airlines and airport authorities on high alert following the fresh outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of East and Central Africa. It directed operators to immediately strengthen health surveillance procedures at all international airports across the country.
The directive followed the formal declaration by the World Health Organisation of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In a regulatory circular issued to domestic and international carriers operating into Nigeria, the NCAA said the move became necessary following growing concerns over the possible cross-border spread of the disease through international air travel.
The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus species, described by health authorities as a highly severe strain for which there are currently no widely licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics.
Although no confirmed Ebola case linked to the outbreak has been reported in Nigeria, the NCAA said it is already collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Port Health Services, and other international health organisations to intensify monitoring and preventive measures.
Also Read: Adamawa, Kaduna Approve Land Titles for REA Mini-Grid Projects
Health officials in the DRC recently identified a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone in the northeastern part of the country. Symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease include sudden fever, severe fatigue, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.