France Confirms First Ebola Case After Doctor Returning from Congo Tests Positive

Paris: France has confirmed its first case of Ebola virus infection, according to the French Health Ministry. The patient is a doctor who had recently returned after serving in an Ebola-affected region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The patient was immediately placed in isolation upon arrival in France and later transferred to a hospital equipped with specialist treatment facilities. Authorities said the patient’s condition is currently stable, and the risk to the general public remains very low.

Health officials have begun contact-tracing efforts to identify people who may have been exposed to the patient. Those identified will be asked to remain in home isolation for 21 days.

The outbreak is currently centered in Ituri Province. According to reports, as of June 21, the region had recorded 1,048 cases and 267 deaths. Neighboring Uganda has also reported 20 cases and two deaths.

The report states that on May 15, the World Health Organization classified Ebola as an epidemic and issued an international public health emergency declaration on May 17.

The strain currently spreading is reported to be the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. According to the report, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically available for this strain. Ongoing armed conflict and reductions in humanitarian assistance in the northern and southern parts of Kivu are also affecting response efforts in the region.