The Nigerian government confirmed the evacuation of its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease to Switzerland. The patient, a Ugandan-born woman, was flown to Geneva University Hospitals for treatment. Her husband, a Swiss diplomat based in Abuja, remains in isolation at University Hospital Zurich.
The Federal Government stated the evacuation followed significant clinical improvement in the patient’s condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed Nigeria currently has no active Ebola cases. The WHO regional director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Janabi, announced this in a statement, noting both individuals are Swiss citizens.
Nigeria’s coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the country could declare the outbreak over by December 7, 2026, if no new confirmed or probable cases emerge. The WHO has called for continued monitoring of 52 contacts of the patient.
The evacuation comes as Nigeria sustains surveillance efforts to ensure no new cases emerge. The Bundibugyo strain, which originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been under close watch. The patient’s condition has stabilized following treatment, according to Swiss authorities.
The WHO urged vigilance and closer monitoring of the 52 contacts. Nigeria’s health authorities are working with international partners to maintain control over the outbreak. The evacuation marks a key step in containing the virus within the country.
