Nigeria’s index Ebola patient has reportedly been evacuated from the country aboard a medical air ambulance through the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to a report, the evacuation took place early Monday morning following the arrival of a convoy of ambulances accompanied by diplomatic vehicles and an international agency vehicle at the airport’s private aviation section.
The report said the patient, identified as a woman and reportedly the wife of a Swiss diplomat in Nigeria, was transported from Abuja city centre to the airport under tight security arrangements.
SpyeTV News, citing sources, had earlier received information that a medical evacuation aircraft was awaiting the patient at the airport and was scheduled to depart around 6:00 a.m.
The news organisation said its crew, deployed to the General Aviation Terminal, obtained photographs and video footage showing the arrival of the convoy and the subsequent departure of a medical evacuation aircraft carrying a sick passenger.
Airport officials reportedly cordoned off the private aviation section during the operation.
A source quoted by SpyeTV News indicated that the Federal Government was expected to make an official announcement after the aircraft had taken off and exited Nigerian airspace.
However, the reported evacuation and the patient's identity have yet to be independently confirmed in the information provided.
The development comes amid heightened public health concerns following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Nigeria and ongoing efforts by health authorities to contain the disease and prevent further transmission.
