Man Returning From Congo Suspected of Ebola, Placed in Isolation

A man who recently returned from Congo and is suspected of having Ebola has been hospitalized in isolation at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem after developing fever symptoms, the Ministry of Health announced Thursday. The ministry stressed that this is currently only a suspicion and that necessary tests will be completed at the hospital, with results expected in the coming days. Following an epidemiological investigation, the Ministry of Health has contacted individuals who came into contact with the patient; those not contacted are not required to take any action at this time. Ebola is not airborne and is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person exhibiting symptoms, or with their blood, bodily fluids, or excretions. The Ministry of Health advises the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas with active Ebola outbreaks. This case comes amid a widespread outbreak of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain in northeastern Congo, which began in May and led the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. Previous suspected Ebola cases in Israel involving travelers returning from at-risk regions have been ruled out after testing during isolation. The ministry reminds travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their trip to self-isolate and contact the Ministry of Health.