Israeli Man Returned From Congo Hospitalized on Ebola Suspicion, Tests Underway

The Israeli Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that a man who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo is suspected of having contracted Ebola. The individual sought medical care after developing a fever and is currently hospitalized in isolation at Soroka Medical Center, where he is being treated under strict protocols. The ministry emphasized that this is only a suspicion at this stage, with diagnostic tests ongoing and results expected within 24 hours. An epidemiological investigation is also underway.

The Ministry of Health has been closely monitoring the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, maintaining preparedness to handle any potential cases in Israel. They reiterated their advice against non-essential travel to regions with active Ebola transmission, particularly the DRC and Uganda, and recommended travelers seek pre-trip consultations at travel clinics.

Earlier in June, two other individuals returning from the DRC were suspected of Ebola infection but were later deemed not to pose a transmission risk, with no isolation required for their families. Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry, stated there is no concern about contagion among flight passengers or close contacts in those cases. The ministry continues to update the public on safety measures and infection control efforts related to the ongoing Ebola outbreaks in Africa.