By Barth Ikiebe
The Federal Government has confirmed the evacuation of Nigeria’s index case of imported Ebola virus disease from Abuja to Switzerland, alongside her spouse.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Monday, saying the evacuation was carried out earlier in the morning with his approval.
Pate said the patient’s condition had improved significantly before she departed Nigeria, although she remained infectious and required strict public health precautions.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and public health authorities to contain the Ebola outbreak and prevent further transmission.
In a statement shared on his social media account, the Minister said the patient was clinically stable and had shown considerable improvement before the medical evacuation.
“I confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland,” he said.
Providing further details about her condition, Pate said the patient was conscious, able to communicate and had laboratory test results approaching baseline levels.
“The index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating, and her clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline,” the Minister stated.
However, he cautioned that the improvement did not necessarily mean the patient could no longer transmit the virus.
“This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place,” he added.
The Minister said the patient was accompanied by her spouse, who had remained asymptomatic at the time of the evacuation.
He did not provide further details about the medical facility in Switzerland where the patient would receive continued treatment.
Pate commended the medical professionals and public health personnel involved in the treatment of the patient and the arrangements for her transfer abroad.
He said the evacuation was conducted in accordance with public health measures designed to minimise the risk of Ebola transmission during transportation.
“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,” he said.
The minister also promised to provide further information after the patient and her spouse had arrived safely at their destination.
“We will provide further updates later this afternoon after the patient and her spouse lands successfully in their destination,” he added.
He reassured Nigerians that the government’s containment efforts were continuing and urged the public to remain vigilant.
“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 evacuation comes days after the Federal Government confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, 2026.
Ebola virus disease is a serious illness that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, or with contaminated materials.
Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding.
