Nigeria’s index case of the imported Ebola virus disease has been evacuated to Switzerland for further medical treatment, Minister of Health, Ali Pate, has announced.
The patient, a woman, departed Abuja on Monday with the minister’s approval, accompanied by her husband, who has so far shown no symptoms of the deadly virus.
Pate disclosed that the patient’s condition had improved significantly before the evacuation, adding that she was stable, conscious and able to communicate.
He said her laboratory test results were also approaching baseline levels, indicating progress in her clinical condition.
However, the minister warned that the improvement did not automatically mean the patient was no longer infectious, stressing that strict public health measures remained necessary.
According to him, the evacuation was coordinated by clinical personnel and public health officials in line with established safety protocols.
Pate commended the medical team that had been managing the patient, as well as the officials involved in arranging her transfer to Switzerland.
He said the government would provide further information later on Monday after the patient and her husband had arrived safely at their destination.
The minister also reassured Nigerians that measures to contain the imported Ebola case were ongoing, urging the public to remain vigilant and rely on credible information.
He did not disclose further details about the circumstances surrounding the evacuation or the specific treatment arrangements made in Switzerland.
