Ebola alert in France: First case detected in doctor returning from Congo
France announced that Ebola virus was detected in a humanitarian doctor who had recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The patient has been isolated in a special medical facility, while health authorities have launched contact tracing.
France has reported its first Ebola case identified on national territory. The virus was detected in a doctor who had been working on a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and had recently returned to France. Health officials said the patient is in stable condition and has been placed under isolation.
Viral load reported as very low
The French Health Ministry said the patient’s viral load was “very low.” Officials stated that the doctor had already been isolated upon arrival in France, before the disease was officially confirmed. The case was detected in mainland France.
Contacts to be monitored for 21 days
French health authorities are working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the patient. Those identified will be informed by regional health agencies. They will be asked to remain in home isolation for 21 days and will be closely monitored during that period.
Linked to outbreak in Congo
The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo was declared on May 15 after several unexplained deaths in the eastern Ituri province. The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. Health experts assess that the risk of the outbreak spreading globally remains low.
