Suspected Ebola Case Reported in Israel After Traveler Returns From Congo

Israel's Ministry of Health announced Sunday that it received a report of an individual suspected of having Ebola after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The person developed a fever following their return, and is currently being treated in isolation at the Sheba Medical Center, one of the designated facilities for such cases. The ministry emphasized that this is currently only a suspicion, and the necessary tests are underway, with results expected later on Sunday. An epidemiological investigation will be conducted to identify potential contacts, though the ministry stated that individuals not contacted by them do not need to take any action at this time. The ministry also reminded the public that Ebola is not airborne and is transmitted through direct contact with symptomatic individuals or their bodily fluids. This situation comes as the Ministry of Health has been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and preparing the healthcare system for potential scenarios, including distributing guidelines to medical teams, acquiring protective equipment, and establishing early detection systems for travelers. The ministry is advising against non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially to areas with active Ebola outbreaks. Travelers returning from the region who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days are urged to stay home, avoid contact with others, and call the Ministry of Health's hotline, specifying their travel history. The ministry reiterated that no confirmed Ebola cases have been diagnosed in Israel to date and will continue to provide updates.