The first imported Ebola virus disease case in the country has been flown out of the country to Switzerland, Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare has confirmed.
Pate made the confirmation on his X handle on Monday, stating that the index patient, who has clinically improved, is stable and conscious, was evacuated along with her husband, who 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. The index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating, and her clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline, Pate wrote.
He, however, stated that her improvements do not mean she is not infectious, stating that strict protocols were put in place before her evacuation.
“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”, Pate said.
The development came after the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), on Sunday, said that the number of contacts linked to the index case of Ebola recorded in October 2026 had risen to 53.