The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the medical evacuation of the country’s first imported case and her husband to Switzerland.
Prof. Mohamed Jamabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, disclosed this after the patient and her husband, both Swiss citizens, were evacuated earlier on Monday.
Jamabi said the patient was clinically stable after Nigerian medical personnel successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness.
“On behalf of WHO and all partners, I warmly congratulate the Government of Nigeria, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and all those involved in the response. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to what Africa can accomplish when we work together,” he said.
The WHO regional director said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts linked to the case, while Switzerland would assume responsibility for the patient’s continued medical management and the follow-up of the 53rd contact, her husband.
He described the development as evidence of African expertise, resilience and leadership in public health, while stressing the need for continued vigilance.
In a separate statement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed that the index case departed Abuja for Switzerland with his approval.
Pate said the patient had shown significant clinical improvement before her departure, adding that she was stable, conscious and communicating, with laboratory test results approaching baseline levels.
“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,” the minister said.
He confirmed that the patient travelled with her husband, who had remained asymptomatic.
Pate commended the clinical staff for the care provided to the patient and public health personnel who ensured that the evacuation complied with public health requirements.
He added that measures to contain the imported virus remained in place and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on information from credible sources.