Israel Health Ministry Warns of Suspected Ebola Case After Traveler Returns

Israel's Ministry of Health issued a warning on Thursday regarding a suspected case of Ebola in the country. The alert follows a report of an individual who developed a fever after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo several days prior.

The ministry emphasized that this is currently only a suspicion, and further tests are underway, with results expected in the coming days. The individual has been admitted to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, one of the designated facilities for handling such cases, and is being treated in strict isolation according to protocols for high-risk infectious diseases. Hospital officials confirmed the patient is in good condition and is being kept separate from other patients, with no exposure to visitors.

The Ministry of Health has completed an epidemiological investigation to identify potential contacts. Those not contacted by the ministry are not required to take any action at this time. The ministry reiterated that Ebola is not airborne and is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids.

Officials stated that the ministry has been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has prepared the healthcare system for potential scenarios. This preparation includes distributing guidelines to medical teams, equipping facilities with protective gear, establishing early detection systems for travelers from affected areas, and setting up laboratory identification capabilities.

The ministry also advised the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas with active Ebola outbreaks, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travelers returning from these regions who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days are urged to stay home, avoid contact with others, and call the Health Ministry's hotline, specifying their travel history.