Second suspected Ebola case in Israel after traveler from Congo admitted to Sheba

A second Israeli man suspected of having Ebola was admitted to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, just two days after another suspected case was hospitalized at Rambam in Haifa. The Health Ministry said the man arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo two days ago and sought care after developing fever, headache and diarrhea. He is being treated in isolation, and test results are expected in the coming days. Sheba is one of the hospitals designated to receive such suspected cases.

This is the second suspected Ebola case reported in Israel within 48 hours. On Friday, the ministry announced the first case, also an Israeli who had returned from Congo and developed fever and headache. That patient was isolated at Rambam. In both cases, officials stress that these are only suspicions so far and no confirmed Ebola case has been diagnosed in Israel.

The ministry is carrying out separate epidemiological investigations for each patient to identify possible contacts and determine whether there is any link between the two cases. After the investigations are completed, people found to be relevant will be contacted directly based on risk assessment. Anyone who does not receive a direct call from the Health Ministry does not need to take any action at this stage.

Authorities have also tightened entry rules. The Population and Immigration Authority has temporarily blocked the entry of non-Israelis arriving from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The measure, requested by the Health Ministry, has been in place since June 9 and may be updated as the situation develops. The ministry continues to urge Israelis to avoid nonessential travel to affected areas and says travelers returning from Congo or Uganda who develop symptoms within 21 days should stay home, avoid contact with others and call the ministry hotline at 5400*.

Ebola is a severe viral disease spread through direct contact with body fluids or contaminated objects, not through the air. Experts say the current outbreak in eastern Congo, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, is not under control, with 956 confirmed cases and 247 deaths reported there, mostly in Ituri. The WHO has declared it a public health emergency of international concern.