Suspected Ebola Case in Israel: Traveler From Congo Hospitalized in Isolation

Israel's Ministry of Health reported on Sunday a suspected case of Ebola in an individual who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The person developed a fever after their return and is currently being treated in isolation at the Sheba Medical Center, designated for such cases. This is currently only a suspicion, and further tests are underway, with results expected later the same day. The Ministry of Health is conducting an epidemiological investigation to identify potential contacts. Individuals not contacted by the ministry are not required to take any action at this time.

Ebola is not airborne and spreads through direct contact with an infected person exhibiting symptoms, or with their blood, bodily fluids, or secretions. The Ministry of Health has been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in Congo and has prepared its healthcare system for potential scenarios. This preparation includes issuing guidelines to medical teams, equipping facilities with protective gear, and establishing systems for early detection and laboratory identification of the virus.

The ministry advises against travel to areas with active Ebola outbreaks, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and recommends essential travel only. Travelers returning from Congo who develop a fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their visit are urged to stay home, avoid contact with others, and contact the Ministry of Health by phone, informing them of their travel to an Ebola-affected region.

No confirmed Ebola cases have been diagnosed in Israel. This marks the second suspected case in the past two months; a previous suspicion in mid-August also involved a traveler from Congo, but the test results were negative.