After weeks of increased vigilance in the face of the resurgence of Ebola cases in Central Africa, France today confirms the identification of a first case on its territory. An unprecedented situation which immediately triggered the application of the strictest health protocols.
A humanitarian doctor returning from Congo taken care of in France
In a press release published this Wednesday, the Ministry of Health announced that it had identified “a first positive case of Ebola virus disease on the national territory”.
The patient is a humanitarian doctor returning from a mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in an area where the virus is actively circulating. According to the authorities, the healthcare professional was immediately treated in a specialized establishment and his condition is currently considered stable.
“All precautionary measures, and in particular the isolation of the patient, were taken upon his arrival on the national territory with a transfer to the hospital in secure conditions in order to avoid any risk of contamination”further specifies the ministry.
The patient is hospitalized in a reference center dedicated to highly transmissible infectious diseases, in a negative pressure room and according to very strict biological safety protocols.
At the same time, an epidemiological investigation is underway to identify people who may have been in contact with him. These contacts will be subject to close medical monitoring and home isolation for 21 days.
What is the Ebola virus?
Ebola virus disease is a serious viral infection, often fatal in the absence of appropriate treatment. The virus was first identified in 1976 in central Africa.
It is initially transmitted to humans from infected wild animals, then from person to person through direct contact with contaminated bodily fluids:
- Blood;
- Saliva;
- Urine;
- Sweat;
- Vomiting;
- Stools;
- Sperm or breast milk.
Contact with the body of a person who died of Ebola or with soiled objects (syringes, linen, medical equipment, etc.) can also transmit the infection.
On the other hand, unlike respiratory viruses like the flu or Covid-19, Ebola is not transmitted through the air.
What are the symptoms of Ebola?
After contamination, the incubation period can last from 2 to 21 days. During this phase, the person has no symptoms and is not contagious. The disease generally progresses in two stages.
A first phase resembling a flu.
The first signs can easily be confused with those of a classic viral infection:
- Fever above 38°C;
- Severe fatigue;
- Severe headaches;
- Muscle pain;
- Sore throat.
A sometimes sudden worsening
In many patients, the state of health can then deteriorate rapidly with the appearance of:
- Vomiting;
- Significant diarrhea;
- Liver and kidney damage;
- Bleeding (nose, gums, eyes or digestive tract).
In the most severe forms, multiorgan failure can occur.
Why is the risk of an epidemic in Europe considered very low?
Despite this first French case, the European health authorities want to be reassuring. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that the risk of infection for the general European population remains “very low”.
Recently interviewed by True Medical, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician, also recalled that “the risk of the Ebola virus spreading in Europe is very low if the case is isolated and treated in a specialized circuit. despite the epidemic currently observed in the DRC and Uganda.
The specialist insisted on an essential point: “No specific measures are necessary beyond the usual public health recommendations, because Ebola is transmitted only by very close direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of symptomatic patients, and not through the air.”.
In other words, an infected person cannot infect others simply by breathing, talking or being in the same room.
Dr Kierzek adds that if “Isolated cases may occur in travelers infected before symptoms appearthat will not cause a widespread epidemic in Europe thanks to modern health systems and infection control measures.”
He specifies: “The key point is that the sick person has been identified and hospitalized in a specialized structure, which cuts the chain of transmission. The risk would increase especially if there had been close contact before diagnosis, or if symptoms had gone unnoticed during the journey or first aid. But even in this case, we are talking about a targeted risk for the immediate environment, not an uncontrolled spread in the general population. So, vigilance is essential but don’t panic.”.
Traveling to a risk zone: what precautions should you take?
The Ministry of Health recommends that people who need to travel to the affected provinces of the DRC or Uganda postpone their travel when possible, particularly for vulnerable people.
If the trip is maintained, several precautions are necessary:
- Wash your hands regularly;
- Avoid close contact with people with a fever;
- Do not touch wild animals, living or dead;
- Do not eat bush meat;
- Regularly consult the official instructions from the French authorities.
Finally, anyone returning from an area of active virus circulation must monitor their temperature daily for 21 days.
“A first case in France does not mean an epidemic in France. Above all, this means that the health system must identify quickly, isolate quickly and protect quickly. Any fever after returning from an affected area must be reported immediately to 15, without waiting and without going to the emergency room on your own.” concludes our expert.