France confirms first Ebola case among healthcare workers returning from Democratic Republic of Congo

French Health Ministry Confirms First Ebola Case in Country

A healthcare worker returning from a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has tested positive for Ebola, according to French health authorities. The ministry announced the case on Wednesday, stating that the individual was operating in an area where the virus is circulating.

The patient is being treated at a leading healthcare facility, following strict biosafety protocols. Upon arrival in France, all precautionary measures were implemented, including isolation and transfer to the hospital under secure conditions to prevent any risk of contamination.

An epidemiological investigation is underway to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient. Those found to be at risk will be contacted by health authorities and advised to self-isolate for 21 days.

The outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which began in May, has resulted in over 260 deaths and more than 1,000 cases. The northeastern Ituri province is the epicentre of the outbreak. Cases have also been reported in Uganda. In response, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” on May 17.

The current strain of Ebola, Bundibugyo, has no approved vaccines or treatments available.

Source: Al Jazeera