ABUJA — Nigeria has successfully evacuated the country’s first confirmed case of the Bundibugyo virus disease to Switzerland for specialized medical care, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, confirmed on Monday.
The patient, a 42-year-old woman, departed from Abuja via a medically equipped flight. She was accompanied by her husband, who has remained asymptomatic since the couple was placed under observation. The evacuation marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to contain the imported infection, which has prompted a swift and robust response from national health authorities.
In an official statement shared on X, Professor Pate emphasized that the patient was clinically stable and had shown significant signs of recovery prior to her departure. While he noted that the woman’s recent laboratory results were trending toward a healthy baseline, he offered a stern caution regarding the risks still posed by the virus.
“This does not mean she is not still infectious, hence the strict protocols in place,” the minister stated. He further clarified that the decision to evacuate the patient was made with his direct approval and strictly adhered to international public health measures for the safe transfer of patients suffering from high-consequence infectious diseases.
Minister Pate praised the frontline clinical team for their high quality of care during the patient’s time in Abuja. He also extended his commendation to the public health personnel who managed the complex logistics of the evacuation, ensuring that every safety protocol was observed to prevent potential exposure during the transfer process.
While the patient continues her journey to Switzerland, health officials in Nigeria are shifting their focus to containment at home. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that they are actively monitoring 53 primary contacts associated with the patient. These individuals are currently undergoing rigorous surveillance and contact tracing to ensure the virus does not spread within the local community.
“Our public health authorities are continuing surveillance, contact tracing, and other essential containment measures to prevent further transmission of the virus,” the Ministry noted.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to ignore speculative reports circulating on social media. Minister Pate emphasized that citizens should rely exclusively on credible, verified sources for updates as the country maneuvers through this public health challenge.
Further updates regarding the patient’s status and arrival in Switzerland are expected in the coming hours. For now, the NCDC remains on high alert, working in coordination with international partners to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect the Nigerian population.
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