France confirms first case of Ebola: Doctor has just returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Paris – June 24, 2026: On June 24, 2026, France confirmed its first case of Ebola virus infection. A doctor returning from a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo tested positive for the Ebola virus. The patient is currently in stable condition and is receiving treatment at a specialized facility. All necessary precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of the virus.

The doctor had been working in Ituri Province, which is currently suffering from a severe Ebola outbreak. This outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The outbreak has resulted in over 1,000 confirmed cases and at least 267 deaths.

After returning to France, the doctor was immediately isolated and admitted to a specialized hospital. Their condition was described as stable. The French health authorities have launched a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to identify possible contacts. These contacts will be contacted and required to undergo a 21-day home quarantine with close monitoring.

The French health authorities emphasize that this case is an imported case, with no risk of local transmission. Since Ebola virus is not spread through the air but through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons, the risk of transmission is assessed as extremely low.

The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains tense. Local health authorities are working closely with international partners to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further infections. The French health authorities assure that specialized facilities are available to respond to highly contagious diseases such as Ebola, preventing the spread of the outbreak.

The French health authorities repeatedly emphasize that this case is an imported case, with no risk of local transmission. The risk of spread to the public is extremely low because the Ebola virus is not airborne but is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons.