Ebola: Minister Confirms Evacuation Of Index Patient, Says Test Results Near Baseline

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has said that the index case of Nigeria’s imported Ebola virus disease has shown significant clinical improvement, with laboratory test results approaching baseline levels.

The minister disclosed this on his X handle on Monday morning, providing an update on the patient following her evacuation to Switzerland.

Pate said the patient was stable, conscious and communicating, but cautioned that her improved condition did not necessarily mean she was no longer infectious.

“I confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland. The index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating, and her clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline,” he said.
He stressed that strict public health protocols remained in place despite the improvement in her clinical condition. “This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place.”

The patient was evacuated alongside her spouse, who has remained asymptomatic.

The minister commended the clinical personnel who cared for the patient and the public health teams responsible for ensuring the evacuation complied with established public health measures.

He said further updates would be provided after the patient and her spouse arrived safely at their destination.

Pate added that public health measures were continuing to ensure the successful containment of the imported virus, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on credible sources for information about the outbreak.

“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.

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

“All public health measures are continuing to ensure successful containment of the imported virus. I urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on information from credible sources,’ Pate said.