Suspected Ebola Case in Israel After Return From Congo, Patient Isolated in Haifa

Israel is investigating a suspected first Ebola case after a person who returned from Congo developed symptoms and was hospitalized in isolation at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa. The Health Ministry said the patient is being treated under strict procedures for highly dangerous infectious diseases.

In a detailed statement released during the Sabbath, the ministry said laboratory testing is underway to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Officials expect the full workup and final result to take about 48 more hours because of clinical considerations and standard medical protocols used in Israel and abroad.

So far, the ministry stressed, this is only a suspicion and no confirmed Ebola case has been diagnosed in Israel. An epidemiological investigation is also being conducted to identify relevant contacts, and the ministry said it will reach out directly and individually to anyone who needs to take action.

People who do not receive a direct call from the Health Ministry are not required to do anything at this stage. The ministry also noted that Ebola is not airborne and spreads through direct contact with a sick symptomatic person, or with blood, body fluids, or secretions, and said it will continue monitoring the situation and updating the public as needed.