The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has confirmed the evacuation of Nigeria’s first imported Ebola Virus Disease index case from Abuja to Switzerland.
Pate disclosed this in a post on Monday, responding to an earlier report by ARISE News, saying the evacuation was carried out with his approval earlier in the morning.News subscription service
“I confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland,” he stated.
He said the patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious and communicating at the time of departure, with clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline.
The minister, however, noted that the patient could still transmit the virus.
“This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place,” he said.
According to him, the patient was evacuated along with her spouse who has remained asymptomatic.
Pate thanked clinical staff and public health personnel who handled the care and evacuation.
“I thank all the various clinical staff for the high quality care they provided the patient as well as the public health personnel who ensured the evacuation was carried out in line with best public health measures for such evacuations,” he said.
He said further updates would be provided after the patient and her spouse land at their destination.
“We will provide further updates later this afternoon after the patient and her spouse lands successfully in their destination,” he said.
Pate assured that containment measures are continuing and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on information from credible sources.
“All public health measures are continuing to ensure successful containment of the imported virus,” he said.
The confirmation came after ARISE News reported that an air ambulance flew the patient out of the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, early Monday, with pictures of a three-vehicle convoy of ambulances and diplomatic vehicles entering the private jet section.
