Israel Suspects Ebola Case in Traveler Returning From Congo

Israel's Ministry of Health is investigating a suspected case of Ebola in a patient who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The individual developed fever symptoms after arriving in Israel several days ago.

The patient has been transferred to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem, one of the designated facilities for handling such cases, and is being treated under strict isolation protocols. Health officials have completed an epidemiological investigation to identify potential contacts.

The ministry emphasized that individuals who have not been contacted do not need to take any action, as Ebola is not airborne and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or secretions from a symptomatic patient.

Travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo who develop a fever or other unusual symptoms within 21 days of their return are advised to stay home, avoid contact with others, and immediately call the "Kol HaBriut" (Health Call) hotline at 5400, providing details of their stay in the affected region.

The Ministry of Health recommends avoiding non-essential travel to active Ebola outbreak areas and consulting a travel clinic before departure if necessary. Officials stressed that this is currently only a suspected case, not yet confirmed, and they will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.