Nigeria’s Ebola patient, husband evacuated to Switzerland for treatment

A Swiss woman, the first Ebola patient confirmed in Nigeria, was medically evacuated to Switzerland on Monday, accompanied by her Swiss diplomat husband, according to officials. Nigerian Health Minister Muhammad Pate confirmed the patient's improvement, stating she was stable and able to communicate. Despite her improved condition, strict protocols remain in place due to the ongoing risk of infection.

Her husband, showing no symptoms, was isolated at a Zurich hospital. The World Health Organization's Africa regional director, Mohamed Janabi, explained the evacuation was due to the couple's Swiss citizenship and the need for specialized care. Nigerian authorities continue to monitor 52 people who had contact with the patient, emphasizing that the country currently has no active Ebola cases.

The patient contracted the virus while traveling to Uganda from Nigeria, though the exact source of infection remains unclear. Kenya has recorded nine Ebola cases, including two deaths, since its first case emerged earlier this month. The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo, the world's deadliest, has raised concerns about the rapid spread of the virus.