Ebola patient moved from Nigeria to Switzerland – THIS UPDATE

By Victor Osula, Abuja

The index case of Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease has been moved out of Nigeria.

She left Abuja for Switzerland today.

According to the coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Pate Ali Muhammad, the index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating and the results of clinical laboratory tests were close to baseline.

“That doesn’t mean she isn’t still contagious, hence the strict protocols in place.

“The patient was evacuated together with her asymptomatic spouse.

“I thank all the clinical staff for the high quality care provided to the patient, as well as the public health staff who ensured that the evacuation was carried out in line with the best public health measures for such evacuations.

“We will provide further updates later this afternoon, after the patient and her spouse have successfully landed at their destination.

“All public health measures continue to ensure the effective containment of the imported virus. I urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on information from credible sources,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified 53 primary contacts linked to the confirmed case, who are being monitored as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.

Contact tracing involves identifying people who may have been exposed to an infected person and monitoring symptoms during the relevant period.

Public health authorities are continuing surveillance and other containment measures, while tracking identified contacts should help officials detect any additional suspected infections early.

The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on credible sources of information as the country continues its response to the imported infection.

The authorities, according to information provided in the minister’s statement, have not announced further confirmed cases linked to the patient.

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