Ebola Index Patient Evacuated From Nigeria to Switzerland

Nigeria’s index patient in the country’s first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease has been evacuated to Switzerland for further medical care, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has confirmed.

Pate disclosed that the patient departed Abuja for Switzerland earlier Monday with his approval, noting that she was clinically much improved, stable, conscious and communicating at the time of evacuation.

According to the minister, the patient’s laboratory test results were also moving towards baseline, but he stressed that the improvement does not mean she is no longer infectious.

He said the patient was evacuated under strict public health protocols, alongside her spouse, who has remained asymptomatic.

The evacuation was earlier reported by ARISE News, which said the patient was flown out of Nigeria aboard an air ambulance from the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The report said a convoy of ambulances and diplomatic vehicles arrived at the airport before the patient was transferred to the medical evacuation aircraft. Airport officials reportedly cordoned off the private wing during the operation.

Pate commended the clinical and public health teams involved in the patient’s treatment and evacuation, saying the operation was conducted in line with established public health measures.

He added that further updates would be provided after the patient and her spouse successfully arrive at their destination.

The minister assured Nigerians that public health measures remain in place to contain the imported virus, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and rely on information from credible sources.