The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Nigeria to sustain its Ebola surveillance efforts, despite having no current cases following the evacuation of the infected woman and her husband to Switzerland.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 people who had contact with the index patient, while Swiss authorities would oversee the follow-up of her husband, the 53rd contact.
Janabi also commended the Nigerian government, medical personnel and emergency responders for their role in stabilising the patient and managing the case.
The 42-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease, was flown to Switzerland aboard a medical aircraft from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 6am on Monday.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, confirmed the evacuation, disclosing that the woman’s husband had not developed any symptoms.