Suspected Ebola Case in Israel: Traveler Isolated After Returning From Congo

Israel's Ministry of Health announced Sunday that a person who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been placed in isolation due to a suspected case of Ebola. The individual developed a fever after their return, prompting the precautionary measures. The Ministry emphasized that this is currently only a suspicion and that necessary tests are still underway. The patient has been transferred to the Sheba Medical Center, designated for handling high-risk infectious disease cases, and test results are expected later today. Health officials will conduct an epidemiological investigation to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the individual. Those not contacted by the Ministry are not required to take any action at this time. The Ministry also clarified that Ebola is not airborne and is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person showing symptoms, or through bodily fluids and secretions. Israel has been monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and has implemented systemic preparedness measures, including distributing guidelines to medical teams, stocking protective equipment, establishing early detection systems for travelers from affected areas, and setting up laboratory identification capabilities. The Ministry advises the public to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC, especially to areas with active Ebola outbreaks. Travelers returning from the country who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days should stay home, avoid contact with others, and call the Health Ministry hotline, mentioning their travel history. The Ministry reiterated that no confirmed Ebola cases have been diagnosed in Israel and that the public and medical teams will be updated as needed.