Nigeria Currently Has No Active Ebola Cases, Confirms World Health Organisation

The World Health Organisation has announced that Nigeria currently has zero active Ebola cases following the successful medical evacuation of the index patient and her husband to Switzerland.

WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Janabi confirmed the update on Monday, noting that Nigerian clinicians successfully stabilized the 42-year-old patient through the acute phase of the infection prior to her departure.

The patient, a Ugandan-born Swiss citizen and wife of a diplomat, was airlifted from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at approximately 6:00 am on Monday. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate confirmed he approved the medical evacuation, adding that the patient’s husband remains asymptomatic.

“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases,” Janabi said. “However, vigilance remains critical. Nigeria will continue the close follow-up of 52 contacts, while Switzerland will assume responsibility for the continued management of the patient and the follow-up of contact number 53, her husband.”

Janabi commended the Nigerian government, public health agencies, and front-line health workers for their swift response in containing the rare Bundibugyo strain and managing the national health response.