Nigeria’s Ebola Patient Arrives in Switzerland as Health Authorities Continue Contact Tracing

Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola patient and her husband have arrived safely in Switzerland following a medical evacuation from Abuja, while Nigerian health authorities continue surveillance and contact tracing to prevent further spread of the virus.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed their arrival on Monday, October 26. He said the patient is receiving treatment at Geneva University Hospitals, while her husband, who has not shown symptoms, has been placed in isolation at University Hospital Zurich.

According to Pate, the patient’s condition had improved considerably before the evacuation. She was stable, conscious and communicating, although the minister cautioned that her improved condition did not necessarily mean she was no longer infectious. He also commended Nigerian medical personnel and international partners for their cooperation in facilitating the transfer.

Despite the patient’s departure, Nigeria’s Ebola response remains active. The World Health Organisation said Nigeria currently has no active confirmed cases following the evacuation, but 52 contacts remain under monitoring in the country, while Swiss authorities are handling the follow-up of the patient’s husband, identified as the 53rd contact.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to remain calm, cooperate with health officials and rely on verified information as surveillance and other containment measures continue.