Nigeria’s first confirmed Ebola case in more than a decade has been evacuated to Switzerland after the patient’s condition improved, according to Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate. The woman, who was born in Uganda and married to a Swiss diplomat based in Abuja, left Nigeria on Monday morning on a medical evacuation flight.
The patient, who is also a Swiss citizen, was the only confirmed case of the latest Ebola outbreak in Africa. Nigeria has intensified efforts to trace 53 contacts and conduct screenings at airports to prevent further spread. The government confirmed the evacuation as a precautionary measure to ensure proper medical care.
This marks the first time Nigeria has faced an Ebola case since 2014, when the country was part of a regional outbreak. The patient’s evacuation follows a coordinated effort between Nigerian health authorities and Swiss officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring the situation closely, with Nigeria continuing to track 52 contacts while Switzerland takes responsibility for the patient’s care and follow-up with her husband.
The incident highlights the ongoing global concern over Ebola outbreaks and the importance of international cooperation in managing public health crises. Nigeria’s health ministry has reiterated its commitment to maintaining vigilance and preventing any resurgence of the disease.
