First case of Ebola confirmed in France

Paris – 24.06.2026: On June 24, 2026, the French Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of the Ebola virus on French territory. It concerns a doctor who returned from a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The patient was immediately isolated in a specialized facility and is in stable condition.

The French health authorities took immediate measures to prevent further spread of the virus. This includes isolating the patient and conducting a thorough epidemiological investigation to identify possible contacts. These people will be under strict surveillance and remain in home isolation for a period of 21 days.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the origin of the virus, more than 1,000 confirmed cases and 277 deaths have been reported since the outbreak was declared on May 15. This is the most severe outbreak in terms of number of cases in the first month. The affected region is the Ituri province, where health authorities face challenges such as population displacements due to armed conflicts.

Despite the imported case in France, health authorities emphasize that the risk of local virus spread is considered very low. Ebola is not transmitted through the air, but only through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. French hospitals have specialized facilities and strict safety protocols to treat these cases and prevent spread.

French health authorities have also established a special monitoring system for those returning from the affected regions. This system includes, among other things, monitoring body temperature over a period of 21 days. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid traveling to the affected areas to minimize the risk of further dissemination.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo an international health emergency. The situation is continuously monitored and measures are being implemented to prevent further virus spread both regionally and internationally.

In France, health authorities will continue working closely with international partners to monitor the situation and, if necessary, take additional measures. The public is asked to follow official information and comply with the instructions of health authorities to protect public health.

This case underlines the importance of precautionary measures and a rapid response to highly contagious diseases like Ebola. French health authorities emphasize that the safety and health of the population are the highest priority and that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent the spread of the virus.