Nigeria’s index case of imported Ebola Virus Disease has been evacuated to Switzerland for further medical care, following significant improvement in her clinical condition.
The Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, who disclosed this, said the patient departed Abuja earlier in the morning with the approval of the relevant authorities.
He described her condition as stable, noting that she was conscious, able to communicate and showing laboratory test results that were moving towards baseline levels.
However, the minister cautioned that the improvement did not necessarily mean the patient was no longer infectious, stressing that strict public health protocols remained in place throughout the evacuation.
Pate added that the patient was accompanied by her spouse, who had remained asymptomatic.
He commended the clinical staff for the quality of care provided and praised public health personnel for ensuring that the evacuation complied with established safety measures.
The minister said further updates would be provided after the patient and her spouse arrived safely at their destination.
He assured Nigerians that public health measures were continuing to contain the imported infection and urged the public to remain vigilant and rely on credible sources for information.
