Israel Rules Out Ebola Suspicion for Fifth Time This Year

The Israeli Ministry of Health announced Sunday that tests for a patient hospitalized under isolation at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer have returned negative, ruling out Ebola. The concern arose after the patient, who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo, developed fever symptoms, triggering mandatory testing under strict protocols. The patient was transferred to the hospital under stringent isolation conditions, and the Ministry of Health initiated an epidemiological investigation to identify contacts. With the official laboratory results received, the suspicion has been completely removed. This marks the fifth suspected case in Israel this year, all of which have been fully ruled out. The Ministry of Health emphasized that no confirmed cases of Ebola have been diagnosed in Israel to date. The ministry reiterated that the Ebola virus is not airborne but is transmitted solely through direct contact with a symptomatic patient or through contact with bodily fluids and secretions. Travelers returning from Congo who develop a fever within 21 days of their return are still advised to remain home and immediately contact the "Kol Habriut" (Voice of Health) hotline at *5400.