French authorities have confirmed the country’s first-ever case of Ebola after a doctor returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for the virus.
The case marks the first confirmed Ebola infection detected outside Africa during the current outbreak, which has affected parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
In a statement on Wednesday, France’s health ministry said the infected doctor was identified and isolated immediately upon arrival in the country, even before laboratory confirmation of the disease.
Government officials said the patient is receiving appropriate medical care while health authorities continue to monitor the situation and implement preventive measures.
The latest development comes amid the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak, which was declared on May 15 following a series of unexplained deaths in the eastern province of Ituri.
Health experts have noted that the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Despite the confirmed case in France, public health authorities maintain that the risk of widespread international transmission remains low due to the virus’s relatively limited contagiousness compared to other infectious diseases.
French authorities have assured the public that surveillance and response measures are in place to contain any potential spread of the disease.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on an application filed by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued for his arrest. Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter on Wednesday after both the defence and prosecution adopted their respective court filings. The court had earlier revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a […]
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