Israel Health Ministry Investigates Suspected Ebola Case

Israel's Ministry of Health is investigating a suspected case of Ebola, marking the first such concern in the country. The alert was triggered by a report of an individual who developed a fever shortly after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, it is only a suspicion, with laboratory test results expected in the coming days.

The individual is being treated in isolation at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem, one of the designated facilities for high-risk infectious diseases. The Ministry has also completed an epidemiological investigation to identify potential contacts. Those not contacted by the Ministry are advised they do not need to take any action.

Health officials emphasized that Ebola is not airborne but transmitted through direct contact with an infected person showing symptoms, or via bodily fluids. The Ministry has been monitoring the global situation, particularly the recent Ebola outbreak in Congo, and has prepared for various scenarios.

Preparations have included distributing guidelines to medical teams and hospitals, acquiring specialized protective equipment, and establishing mechanisms for early detection of travelers returning from affected areas and for laboratory identification of the virus. The Ministry advises against non-essential travel to active outbreak zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo and recommends travelers to these regions consult travel clinics.

Individuals returning from Congo who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their stay are urged to self-isolate, avoid contact with others, and call the "Kol HaBriut" health hotline at *5400, mentioning their travel to an affected area at the start of the call. The Ministry stressed that no confirmed cases have been diagnosed in Israel to date and pledged to keep the public and medical teams updated.