Ebola case and close contact being treated in Switzerland

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is aware that a person infected with the Bundibugyo ebolavirus is currently undergoing treatment at Geneva University Hospital (HUG). Her husband has been placed in isolation at Zurich University Hospital (USZ). The couple, both Swiss citizens, were repatriated from Nigeria on a medical evacuation flight. The HUG and the USZ are prepared for such cases and can manage the two individuals concerned while at the same time ensuring the safety both of staff and of all other patients. This situation does not pose any risk to public health in Switzerland.

The FOPH is liaising closely both with the University Hospitals in Geneva and Zurich, and with the cantonal authorities responsible.

Since 2019, two reference hospitals in Switzerland – the University Hospitals of Geneva and Zurich – have been equipped to treat patients with diseases such as Ebola. Both hospitals have the necessary infrastructure (isolation wards) and trained medical staff to care for patients with such infections.

Ebola virus disease is a serious illness that can be transmitted through close contact with a symptomatic person or with an infected animal.

In a telephone conversation, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider personally expressed her appreciation to Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate. She expressed her gratitude to the doctors and other healthcare professionals for the excellent care provided to the two Swiss nationals in Nigeria, as well as the Nigerian authorities and the WHO for their close cooperation which helped make the repatriation possible.

Further information

FOPH website information on Ebola virus disease (available in French / German / Italian)