Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, says the index case of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria has been evacuated to Switzerland by air ambulance.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Pate said the patient departed Abuja earlier in the morning alongside her spouse, who has remained asymptomatic.
“I Confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland,” Pate said.
“The index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating, and her clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline.
“This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place. The patient was evacuated along with her spouse who has remained asymptomatic.
“I thank all the various clinical staff for the high-quality care they provided the patient as well as the public health personnel who ensured the evacuation was carried out in line with best public health measures for such evacuations.
“We will provide further updates later this afternoon after the patient and her spouse lands successfully in their destination.
“All public health measures are continuing to ensure successful containment of the imported virus. I urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on information from credible sources.”
