*Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigerian Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, confirms the index case of the country’s first ‘imported Ebola virus disease’ along with her husband Monday, October 27 departed Abuja, FCT, for Switzerland
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
As the West African country continues monitors 53 people over possible exposure to the Ebola virus index case, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigerian Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Monday, October 26, 2026, confirmed that the “first imported Ebola virus disease case” together with her husband has been flown out of the country to Switzerland.
Pate Monday confirmed this development via his verified X handle.
Seplat Energy highlights role of transparency, strong corporate governance in structured financing
The Minister said the index patient, who has clinically improved, is stable and conscious, was evacuated with her husband, who remained asymptomatic.
Pate wrote: “I confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland.
He also revealed that the Ebola index patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious, communicating, and her clinical laboratory test results closing towards baseline.
The Minister, however, noted that her improvements do not mean she is not infectious, stating that strict protocols were put in place before her evacuation to the European country.
“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,” Pate said.
He further stated: “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.”
Pate wrote: “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.”
53 Contacts linked to Nigeria’s index case of Ebola, says NCDC
ConsumerConnect reports the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Sunday, October 25 said that the number of contacts linked to the first imported index case of Ebola recorded this year had risen to 53 persons in the country.
The health sector regulatory agency said the contacts comprised health workers, domestic staff, and spouse of the patient diagnosed with the disease.
In its Ebola Disease Situation Report, the NCC disclosed that a newly suspected case was reported by Rivers State on October 23, but laboratory results returned negative for Ebola disease.
The agency, in the report dated October 24, also stated: “Fifty-three contacts linked to the index case have so far been identified, categorised and followed up.
“Contacts listed include healthcare workers, domestic staff and spouse,” the report dated October 24, 2026, partly read.
Highlighting how the imported index case was uncovered in Nigeria, the report indicated that the patient is a 42-year-old woman, had returned from Uganda through Addis Ababa October 3, via an international flight to Abuja.
According to NCDC, she became symptomatic four days later, and presented to a private health facility October 10, and another October 11.
The report further noted: “She presented to another private facility on the 11th of October 2026, where she was admitted.
“The NCDC was notified on the 19th of October, followed by in-depth case investigation and sample collection.
“A confirmation by the NCDC National Reference Laboratory was made on 20th October 2026. “Symptoms at presentation included fever, diarrhoea, generalised body aches and sore throat. Bleeding was not reported.”
Idris: We’re fully committed to responding to confirmed case of Ebola disease
Meanwhile, Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the FCT health authorities and partners, is fully committed to responding to the confirmed case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at a media briefing Sunday, he said: “I recognise the concern that the confirmation of Ebola may have caused among Nigerians.
“Ebola is a serious disease, and we are handling this situation with the urgency it deserves.”
Idris declared: “We have a clear response plan, experienced personnel, and established public health systems that we are deploying to prevent further transmission.”
What Nigerians should expect, going forward
Idris explained that the government’s response is being implemented through a structured Incident Management System, coordinated by the Emergency Operations Centre, under the national leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, and the Presidential Task Force on EVD.
The Director-General of NCDC further stated: “Our public health teams are working to identify everyone who may have been exposed to the confirmed case, assess their level of exposure, and ensure appropriate follow-up for 21 days from their last possible exposure.
“This includes healthcare workers, patients, caregivers, household members, travel-related contacts and others who may have had relevant exposure.”
Describing contact tracing as a detailed process requiring careful investigation, accurate information, and continued follow-up, Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to “cooperate fully” if contacted by a public health official.
He restated: “I want to appeal directly to Nigerians: if you are contacted by a public health official, please cooperate fully.
“Provide accurate information about your movements, contacts, and any symptoms you may have experienced.”
He said: “Being identified as a contact does not mean that you have Ebola.
“It means that public health teams need to assess and monitor your health so that any possible infection can be identified early. Your cooperation will help us identify potential cases quickly and prevent further transmission.”
On healthcare workers
Dr. Idris commended healthcare workers whose vigilance and clinical judgement contributed to the identification of this case.
He also noted that their high index of suspicion is critical in triggering the public health response.
The NCDC Chief stated: “I equally recognise their dedication care under challenging circumstances.
“You are central to our ability to bring this situation under control.”
He equally stated: “These include not only doctors, nurses and other professionals working in hospitals, but also the public health workforce responsible for surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory diagnosis, case management, infection prevention and control, community engagement and risk communication.”
The Director General of the NCDC said the Federal Government would prioritise the safety, health and welfare of health workers throughout the response.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on the leadership of every public and private healthcare facility in Nigeria to immediately review and strengthen their infection prevention and control measures.
“Screening and triage must be instituted and consistently implemented. Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly when attending to patients with compatible symptoms and relevant exposure histories,” said Doris.
He asserted: “Standard precautions must be observed at all times. “Hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, injection safety, safe management of sharps and proper waste management cannot be compromised.
“Healthcare facilities must ensure the availability of appropriate personal protective equipment in the right quantities and ensure that staff know how to use it correctly.”