Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases, says WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Nigeria currently has no Ebola case after the index patient and her husband, who are both Swiss citizens, were evacuated to Switzerland.

Mohamed Janabi, WHO regional director for Africa, in a post on his X handle on Monday, said the patient was clinically stable after Nigerian medical personnel managed her through the acute phase of the illness.

“Both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens,” Janabi said.

“The patient is clinically stable. The Nigerian medical team successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilized her condition.

“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases.

“However, vigilance remains critical. Nigeria will continue the close follow-up of 52 contacts, while Switzerland will assume responsibility for the continued management of the patient and the follow-up of contact number 53, her husband.”

He commended the Nigerian government, health workers, clinicians and emergency responders involved in managing the case.

Earlier on Monday, Nigeria’s index Ebola case was evacuated to Switzerland for further treatment.

The 42-year-old woman diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease was airlifted by a medical plane on Monday at about 6am from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport in Abuja.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, added that her husband remains asymptomatic.

“I confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland,” Pate said in an X post.