Health Ministry reports second suspected Ebola case after return from Congo

Israel’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that it has received another report of a person suspected of having Ebola after returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is the second suspected case in Israel in recent days, and no confirmed case has been diagnosed in the country so far.

According to the ministry, the person came back to Israel two days ago and sought medical care after developing a fever, headache and diarrhea. The patient is currently being isolated and transferred to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, which has been designated to receive such high-risk suspected cases. Laboratory tests are now being carried out by the ministry, and results are expected in the coming days.

The ministry said the epidemiological investigation is still underway to identify relevant contacts and assess any possible links between the cases. Once that process is completed, targeted outreach will be made to people deemed relevant based on the risk assessment. Officials stressed that anyone not contacted by the ministry does not need to take any action at this stage.

The ministry reminded the public that Ebola is not airborne and is transmitted only through direct contact with a sick person showing symptoms, or with blood, bodily fluids or secretions. It said it is tracking the outbreak in Congo and Uganda, has distributed guidance to medical teams and hospitals, stocked protective equipment, and set up early detection and lab systems. Travelers are urged to avoid nonessential trips to affected areas, and those returning from Congo or Uganda who develop symptoms within 21 days should stay home and call the Health Ministry hotline, *5400.