FG Evacuates Nigeria’s First Imported Ebola Case to Switzerland

The Federal Government has confirmed that the index case of Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease has been evacuated from Abuja to Switzerland.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a post on Monday, confirming an earlier report by ARISE News.

Pate said the evacuation was carried out with his approval earlier in the day, adding that the patient’s clinical condition had improved significantly before 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,” the minister stated.

According to Pate, the patient was stable, conscious and able to communicate, while her laboratory test results were approaching baseline levels.

However, he cautioned that the improvement in her condition did not necessarily mean she was no longer infectious.

“The index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating, and her clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline,” he said.

He added, “This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place.”

The patient was evacuated alongside her spouse, who the minister said had remained asymptomatic.

Pate commended the clinical staff who treated the patient and the public health personnel who coordinated the evacuation in line with appropriate public health protocols.

He said the government would provide further updates after the patient and her spouse arrived safely at their destination.

The minister also assured Nigerians that containment measures remained in place and urged the public to remain vigilant and rely on information 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,” he said.

The confirmation followed an earlier report by ARISE News on X that an air ambulance had departed the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with the patient on board.

The broadcaster reported that its crew saw a three-vehicle convoy involving ambulances and diplomatic vehicles entering the airport’s private jet section. It also said it obtained videos of a medical evacuation aircraft.

ARISE News further quoted a source as saying the Federal Government intended to announce the evacuation after the aircraft had taken off and left Nigerian airspace.

The development comes after the Federal Government confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20 and announced that 44 contacts had been identified.

The authorities have continued public health measures aimed at containing the infection, while the minister has urged Nigerians to follow official updates.