US College Sports Association Releases Guidelines for Air Travelers and Airport Staff to Prevent Ebola Spread

In response to the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has instructed airlines and airport operators to enhance their public health surveillance measures, as announced by Dickson Omobola.

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Despite the absence of confirmed cases in Nigeria, the NCAA is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and Port Health Services, as well as international health organisations, to monitor the situation.

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A circular issued by the NCAA on May 18, 2026, highlighted the need for heightened vigilance due to concerns over the disease's spread and the aviation sector's role in preventing cross-border transmission.

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The NCAA has identified symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease as including sudden fever, severe fatigue, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.

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Early detection and prompt reporting are crucial in preventing the international spread of the disease, according to the authority.

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To prevent the spread of the disease, the NCAA has strengthened disease surveillance systems at airports, while also reinforcing contact tracing, case reporting mechanisms, and border health screening procedures.

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The authority has directed pilots to inform Air Traffic Control of any suspected communicable disease cases on board, in accordance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, and has instructed flight crew members to complete and submit Aircraft General Declaration forms for all suspected cases.

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Airlines have also been mandated to ensure that passenger locator forms are completed and handed over to Port Health Services upon arrival, as part of the preventive measures.