The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the evacuation of the country’s index patient and her husband, both Swiss citizens, to Switzerland.
Mohamed Janabi, WHO regional director for Africa, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Monday, adding that the 42-year-old woman was clinically stable after Nigerian medical personnel successfully managed the acute phase of her illness.
“Both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens,” Janabi said.
“The patient is clinically stable. The Nigerian medical team successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilized her condition.
“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases.
“However, vigilance remains critical. Nigeria will continue the close follow-up of 52 contacts, while Switzerland will assume responsibility for the continued management of the patient and the follow-up of contact number 53, her husband.”
Janabi commended the Nigerian government, health workers, clinicians and emergency responders involved in managing the case.
Nigeria continues monitoring Ebola contacts
Earlier on Monday, Nigeria’s index Ebola patient was evacuated to Switzerland for further treatment after being diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease.
The 42-year-old woman was airlifted aboard a medical aircraft at about 6am from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, confirmed the evacuation in a post on X, stating that he had approved the patient’s departure.
“I confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland,” Pate said.
He added that the patient’s husband remained asymptomatic.
Despite the evacuation, Nigerian health authorities will continue monitoring 52 contacts linked to the case, while Swiss authorities will take responsibility for the husband’s follow-up.
The WHO stressed that continued vigilance remains essential as both countries manage the remaining follow-up measures.
