France has recorded its first case of Ebola virus disease after a doctor returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) tested positive for the deadly virus.
The French Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, that the patient arrived from an Ebola-hit area in eastern Congo and was immediately isolated. Laboratory tests later confirmed the infection.
Health authorities said emergency containment measures, including contact tracing and monitoring of potential contacts, were activated to prevent further spread.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government was closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all public health protocols were strictly enforced.
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The case is the first Ebola infection reported in France since the current Central African outbreak began.
The outbreak was declared in the DRC on May 15, 2026, following a cluster of unexplained illnesses and deaths in Ituri Province. Uganda has also reported infections linked to the outbreak.
Ebola is a severe viral disease spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, while severe cases can lead to internal bleeding and organ failure.
French authorities said surveillance and contact-tracing efforts remain ongoing as investigations continue.