WHO: Nigeria has no active Ebola cases after evacuation

Abimbola Joseph

Nigeria currently has no active Ebola cases following the medical evacuation of an infected patient and her husband to Switzerland, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, disclosed this on Monday, 26 October 2026, in a post on X, confirming that the pair had been evacuated earlier in the day by air ambulance.

Janabi said the patient, a Swiss citizen, was clinically stable after receiving treatment from Nigerian medical personnel, who successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness. Her husband, also a Swiss citizen, was identified as a contact.

“The Nigerian medical team successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition,” he said.

The WHO official commended the Federal Government, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners for their contributions to the response, describing their efforts as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration during public health emergencies.

He, however, stressed the need for continued vigilance, saying Nigeria would maintain close follow-up of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take responsibility for the patient’s continued care and the monitoring of her husband, identified as contact number 53.

“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases,” Janabi said.

He described the response as a demonstration of African expertise, resilience and leadership in public health.