France on Wednesday confirmed its first case of Ebola virus disease on its territory, involving a doctor who had recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The French Health Ministry said it had “confirmed today the identification of a first positive case of Ebola virus disease on national territory,” adding that the infection was detected in mainland France.
The ministry did not immediately release further details on the patient’s condition or treatment, but confirmed the case after laboratory testing.
When contacted, the ministry clarified that the infection was identified within metropolitan France.
Ebola is a highly infectious and often fatal viral disease, typically transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals. Outbreaks have occurred intermittently in parts of Central and West Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Authorities are expected to begin contact tracing and containment measures in line with established public health protocols.
AFP
