Health Ministry says Ebola test results expected within 48 hours

Israel’s Health Ministry said Saturday that the man suspected of having Ebola is being treated in isolation under high-risk infectious disease protocols, and that no final test result has yet been received. Officials said the laboratory work needed to clarify the suspicion should take about 48 more hours, citing clinical reasons and standard medical procedures.

The ministry said an epidemiological investigation is underway to identify relevant contacts, and that it will reach out directly and personally to anyone who needs to take action. “Anyone who does not receive a call from the Health Ministry does not need to do anything at this stage,” officials said.

According to the ministry, the man returned to Israel three days earlier from the Democratic Republic of Congo and sought medical care after developing fever and headache. He is currently hospitalized in isolation at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.

The ministry noted that Ebola is not airborne and is spread through direct contact with a symptomatic patient or with blood, body fluids, or secretions. On Friday, the ministry asked travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda, especially from areas with active cases, to stay home, avoid contact with others, and contact the Health Ministry if they develop unusual symptoms within 21 days of returning. It also advised against nonessential travel to outbreak areas.