Nigeria evacuates Ebola patient to Switzerland despite infection risk

Nigeria has evacuated its index case of the imported Ebola virus disease to Switzerland for further treatment, with the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, warning that the patient may still be infectious despite showing signs of recovery.

Pate disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the patient departed Abuja with his approval.

The patient’s spouse, who has remained asymptomatic, accompanied her on the trip.

According to the minister, the patient’s condition had improved significantly before the evacuation.

He said she was stable, conscious and able to communicate, while her laboratory test results were approaching baseline levels.

However, Pate warned that the improvement did not necessarily mean the patient was no longer capable of transmitting the virus.

“The index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating, and her clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline. This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place,” he said.

The minister said strict public health measures remained in place to contain the imported virus and prevent further transmission.

He commended the medical personnel who treated the patient and the public health officials who coordinated the evacuation in line with established health protocols.

Pate added that the government would provide further updates after the patient and her spouse arrived safely in Switzerland.

He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and obtain information about the outbreak from credible sources.

“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,” the minister said.

The statement did not disclose further details about the circumstances surrounding the evacuation or the specific treatment arrangements made for the patient in Switzerland.