France reports first Ebola case following return from Democratic Republic of Congo

A French doctor who had just returned from a humanitarian mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has tested positive for Ebola, the French Health Ministry confirmed on Wednesday.

The patient was immediately admitted to a specialised isolation facility in France and is reported to be in stable condition.

This marks the first confirmed Ebola case in Europe, following an American doctor who tested positive in DRC and was treated in Germany last month.

The DRC, which last month declared a new outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain, has already recorded over 1,000 infections and 260 deaths. The virus spreads through bodily fluids, posing a significant risk for healthcare workers.

France has set up a dedicated monitoring system for aid workers returning from the DRC and is working to trace all contacts of the infected doctor. Public health officials say the risk to the broader population remains very low.

The outbreak is concentrated in the eastern provinces of Ituri, South Kivu and North Kivu, with conflict zones further complicating containment efforts.

With no vaccine currently available for the Bundibugyo strain, international agencies urge continued vigilance and support for affected communities.