First Ebola case confirmed in mainland France
A humanitarian doctor tested positive after returning from an Ebola-affected country
There is currently no specific cure for Ebola with treatment focusing on supportive care
digicomphoto/Shutterstock.
France’s Ministry of Health today confirmed that a first case of Ebola virus disease has been identified on mainland France.
The case involved a humanitarian doctor recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo where an outbreak is currently ongoing.
“The patient, who had returned from a humanitarian mission in one of the areas where the virus is circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was immediately admitted to a specialised facility and is in stable condition,” said the Ministry of Health in a press release.
The ministry said that France has “specialised capabilities for managing highly transmissible infectious diseases,” and added that treatment is being carried out in designated facilities using strict biosafety protocols, including negative-pressure rooms and dedicated medical equipment.
The situation is now being closely monitored and an investigation is underway to identify anyone who may have been in contact with the patient.
“These individuals will be contacted without delay by the regional health agency, will undergo 21 days of home isolation, and will be closely monitored during this period.”
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, cited in the press release, continues to rate the risk of infection as low for European residents travelling to affected areas, and very low for the general European population.
What people in France should do
In general, Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness and is transmitted to humans from wild animals and then spread through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, vomit or semen.
Symptoms include high fever and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. Infected individuals are not contagious before symptoms appear.
Currently, there is no specific cure, and treatment focuses on supportive care such as rehydration and symptom management.
People who have recently travelled to affected regions in the DRC or neighbouring areas should monitor their health for the next 21 days after their return.
Key recommendations include:
Take your temperature daily for 21 days after returning from an affected area
If you develop a fever of 38°C or higher, immediately call 15 (SAMU) and follow instructions
Do not go directly to a doctor’s office or hospital emergency department
Avoid close contact with other people
The ministry advises postponing non-essential trips to affected regions where possible.
Authorities also encourage travellers to register on the government’s Ariane system to receive real-time alerts and updates while abroad.
