By Blessing Bature
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has confirmed the evacuation of Nigeria’s index case of imported Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to Switzerland following significant improvement in her clinical condition.
Pate disclosed this on his X handle on Monday, saying the patient’s laboratory test results were approaching baseline levels.
According to the minister, the patient departed Abuja for Switzerland earlier on Monday with his approval.
He said she was clinically improved, stable, conscious and able to communicate, while cautioning that the improvement did not necessarily mean she was no longer infectious.
“This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place,” Pate said.
The patient was evacuated alongside her spouse, who has remained asymptomatic.
The minister commended the clinical personnel who provided care for the patient, as well as the public health teams that ensured the evacuation complied with established public health protocols.
He said further updates would be provided after the patient and her spouse arrived safely at their destination.
Pate added that public health measures remained in place to contain the imported Ebola virus, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and obtain information about the outbreak from credible sources.
