Nigeria’s index Ebola patient has been evacuated to Switzerland for further medical treatment as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
The 42-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease, was airlifted aboard a medical aircraft from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at about 6 a.m. on Monday.
The patient, who is the wife of a Swiss diplomat, was transported from central Abuja in an ambulance convoy, accompanied by diplomatic vehicles that entered the airport’s private jet area.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the patient was clinically stable and had shown significant improvement before the evacuation.
He said her laboratory test results were also moving towards baseline, but warned that the improvement did not necessarily mean she was no longer infectious.
“This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place,” the minister said.
He explained that the evacuation was carried out with his approval and in line with established public health measures for the safe transfer of infectious disease patients.
The minister commended the clinical team for the quality of care provided to the patient, as well as public health personnel who ensured that the evacuation complied with the required safety protocols.
He said further updates would be provided after the patient and her husband arrived safely at their destination.
Meanwhile, public health authorities are continuing surveillance, contact tracing and other containment measures to prevent further transmission of the virus.
A total of 53 contacts linked to the confirmed case have been identified and placed under monitoring or isolation as part of efforts to prevent further transmission of the virus.
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