Health Minister Confirms Evacuation Of Ebola Index Patient From Nigeria
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate has announced the evacuation of Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease patient from Abuja to Switzerland.
Pate made the announcement on his official X handle @muhammadpate on Monday.
“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 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.
According to the Minister, the patient was evacuated along with her spouse who had remained asymptomatic.
“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.
He concluded with the assurance to provide further updates later this afternoon after the patient and her spouse land successfully in their destination.
“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 added.
