Israel Confirms No Ebola Cases After Testing Suspected Patient Returning from Congo

The Israeli Ministry of Health announced on Friday that recent tests for Ebola on a person suspected of infection have returned negative. The individual had recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo and was isolated at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba during the testing period. The Ministry emphasized that no confirmed Ebola cases have been diagnosed in Israel to date.

Officials reiterated that Ebola is not airborne and spreads only through direct contact with symptomatic patients or their bodily fluids such as blood or secretions. The Ministry continues to monitor the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda closely and is preparing the healthcare system for any potential scenarios.

Last month, two other Israelis returning from Congo were also suspected of Ebola infection, but those concerns were later dismissed. The Ministry urges the public to avoid non-essential travel to regions with active Ebola transmission. Travelers returning from these areas who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days should remain home, avoid contact with others, and call the health hotline at *5400. The Ministry will provide further updates to the public and medical staff as needed.