Nigeria has evacuated its lone Ebola virus disease (EVD) patient  to Switzerland for further care, following significant clinical improvement in the patient.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate who confirmed this through his official X handle on Monday, said the patient departed Abuja earlier Monday with her spouse, who has remained asymptomatic.

The patient was reportedly stable, conscious and communicating, with her laboratory test results approaching baseline levels.

He said: “I Confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland.

However, the minister cautioned that her improved condition did not mean she was no longer infectious, stressing that strict public health protocols were maintained throughout the evacuation.

“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.”

He commended the clinical staff for providing quality care and public health personnel for ensuring the evacuation complied with established safety measures.

Further updates are expected after the patient and her spouse arrive safely at their destination.

The minister assured Nigerians that public health measures remained in place to contain the imported virus, urging the public to remain vigilant and rely on credible sources for information.