Health Ministry: Ebola Test Results Expected Within 48 Hours

Israel’s Health Ministry said on Saturday that results in the case of a person suspected of being infected with Ebola are expected within about 48 hours. The patient is being treated in isolation at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, and officials stressed that this is only a suspicion so far, with no final result yet.

According to the ministry, the diagnostic process involves a sequence of laboratory tests in line with accepted medical protocols in Israel and abroad. Health officials are also carrying out an epidemiological investigation to identify relevant contacts, and the ministry said it will reach out directly and personally to anyone who needs to take action.

The ministry noted that Ebola is not airborne. Infection occurs through direct contact with a sick person showing symptoms, or with blood, body fluids, or secretions. It added that anyone who does not receive a call from the ministry is not required, at this stage, to do anything.

The alert was issued Friday night after the man, who returned to Israel three days earlier from the Democratic Republic of Congo, sought medical treatment for fever and headache. The Health Ministry urged travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda, especially from areas with active outbreaks, to remain at home, avoid contact with others, and contact the ministry if they develop unusual symptoms within 21 days of returning. It also recommended avoiding nonessential travel to outbreak areas.