On Wednesday, French officials confirmed the first case of Ebola in France. The patient is a doctor who traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where an outbreak began last month. The doctor tested positive for the Ebola virus.

According to a statement from the health ministry, the humanitarian worker was admitted to a specialized health care facility and remains in stable condition. Efforts are underway by French health workers to trace individuals who may have had contact with the patient. Those identified will be isolated for 21 days and closely monitored.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reports that the risk of infection remains low for residents of the European Union. The epicenter of the outbreak, the Democratic Republic of Congo, has experienced over 1,000 confirmed cases and at least 260 fatalities, as per the World Health Organization. Most of these cases are located in the northeastern Ituri Province.

The region is facing challenges due to conflicts that have displaced many people, complicating efforts to contain the Ebola virus’s spread. This outbreak is the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 17th in recent decades, testing the country’s resources and expertise. The virus strain responsible for this outbreak, known as Bundibugyo, is uncommon and lacks targeted vaccines and treatments.

Lynsey Chutel, a Times reporter based in London, covers breaking news across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.