The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Nigeria free of active Ebola cases following the evacuation of the country’s index patient to Switzerland for continued medical treatment.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, announced this on Monday in a statement shared on his verified X handle.

Janabi said Nigerian health authorities would continue monitoring 52 contacts linked to the case, while Switzerland would take over the patient’s continued medical management and monitor her husband, who is the 53rd contact.

He commended the Nigerian medical team for successfully managing the patient through the acute phase of the illness and stabilising her condition before she was evacuated.

“Nigeria is now Ebola-free following the evacuation of the index patient to Switzerland.

“Nigeria would maintain close follow-up of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would assume responsibility for the continued management of the patient and monitoring of contact number 53, her husband,” Janabi stated.

Recall that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had earlier confirmed an imported Ebola case linked to Uganda, prompting health authorities to identify and place 53 contacts under surveillance in Abuja.

The evacuation marks a significant development in Nigeria’s response to the case. However, the continued monitoring of the identified contacts remains crucial to preventing further transmission and ensuring a swift response to any emerging symptoms.

With 52 contacts still under observation in Nigeria, public health authorities are expected to maintain vigilance and strengthen surveillance measures to safeguard the country against a potential resurgence of the disease.