From Victor Osula, Abuja
The index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease has been moved out of Nigeria.
She departed Abuja for Switzerland today.
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Pate Ali Muhammad, 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 patient was evacuated along with her spouse who has remained asymptomatic.
“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 lands successfully in 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,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified 53 primary contacts linked to the confirmed case, who are being monitored as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.
Contact tracing involves identifying people who may have been exposed to an infected person and monitoring them for symptoms during the relevant period.
Public health authorities are continuing surveillance and other containment measures, while the monitoring of identified contacts is expected to help officials detect any additional suspected infections promptly.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on credible sources for information as the country continues its response to the imported infection.
Authorities have not, in the information provided in the minister’s statement, announced any additional confirmed cases linked to the patient.
