The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated on Wednesday that the worldwide threat from the ongoing Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains minimal. This assurance followed the identification of the first Ebola case within French borders.
A doctor returning from the DR Congo, where a significant outbreak is currently active, tested positive for the virus in France. This marks the initial instance of the disease being found outside of Africa during the present epidemic. Despite the news, Tedros advised against an excessive reaction, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm.
The patient, a medical professional associated with the NGO ALIMA, displayed only minor symptoms like headaches during the flight from Kinshasa. Upon landing in Paris, the individual was immediately isolated after their health slightly declined. Currently, the patient is stable and under medical care, while authorities work to trace potential contacts.
Tedros highlighted that this incident underscores the severe dangers confronting healthcare personnel on the front lines, noting that nearly 80 workers have contracted the virus. He encouraged nations to better support medical responders by ensuring proper safety protocols and evacuation procedures. While the risk remains very high in the DRC and high for its immediate neighbors, the WHO maintains that the probability of international spread outside the region is low. Since the current DRC outbreak began in May, more than 1,000 cases and 267 deaths have been documented.
