Published on 04/07/2026 – 18:40 GMT+2
Relief follows the full recovery of the first Ebola patient diagnosed in France, a medical professional returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The health authorities confirmed the patient — a humanitarian doctor — tested negative on two PCR screenings after fatal form exposure to the virus. The individual, previously hospitalized in isolation, was discharged following medical clearance. No secondary infections emerged among five previously monitored contacts.
According to minister Stéphanie Rist, the case originated from a flight from Kinshasa on June 23, during which the doctor initially experienced mild symptoms that progressed.
France immediately quarantined the patient upon arrival, adhering to strict global quarantine protocols despite the absence of severe symptoms. The Ebola virus persists in the DRC, with active outbreak management measures combatting regional transmission risks in Kisangani and surrounding areas.
Though rarely highly contagious, severe hemorrhagic epidemics like the current outbreak have caused over 452 deaths since December. Ongoing clinical monitoring of repatriated personnel remains a public health priority for international health authorities.
