The Federal Government has evacuated the index patient of Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease from Abuja to Switzerland. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, confirmed the development on Monday, noting that he authorized the trip earlier in the day.
The patient was transported alongside her spouse, who has remained asymptomatic throughout the period. An air ambulance departed from the private jet terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, according to Punch.
Prof. Pate explained that the woman’s physical condition had made notable progress before the departure. He noted that she was conscious, communicating, and that her medical tests were returning toward normal levels, though she remains capable of spreading the virus.
Strict protocols were maintained during the transfer to ensure safety. The minister praised the medical professionals who managed her care and the public health teams who executed the airlift in line with proper standards.
The case was officially confirmed on October 20 after tests verified the Bundibugyo Ebola strain in a woman who arrived in the country from Uganda. She developed symptoms on October 7 and visited a health facility in Abuja on October 11, drawing swift containment responses from federal health agencies.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention activated emergency protocols and began monitoring individuals who had close interactions with the couple. A situation report issued on October 24 showed that 53 contacts, including health personnel and domestic workers, were being tracked.
Government officials stated that broader containment efforts are ongoing across points of entry and health centres. The minister advised citizens to remain calm, follow safety guidelines, and depend solely on verified public health information.
