The Federal Government has evacuated Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease patient and her husband to Switzerland, despite concerns that the patient remains infectious.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed the development on Monday, saying the evacuation took place earlier in the morning with his approval.
Pate said the patient was clinically stable and showing significant signs of improvement before her departure from Abuja.
According to him, she was conscious, communicating and had laboratory test results approaching normal levels.
However, the minister warned that the improvement did not mean the patient was no longer infectious, stressing that strict public health protocols were observed throughout the evacuation.
He disclosed that the patient’s husband, who accompanied her to Switzerland, had remained asymptomatic.
Pate commended the medical personnel who treated the patient and public health officials who ensured the evacuation complied with established safety measures.
The minister said further updates would be provided after the patient and her husband arrived safely in Switzerland.
He assured Nigerians that public health measures remained in place to contain the imported virus, urging citizens to remain vigilant and rely on credible sources for information.
