Israeli Health Ministry Investigates Another Ebola Suspect After Return from Congo

Israel’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that it is investigating another possible Ebola case in a person who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The individual came back to Israel two days ago and sought medical care after developing fever, headache, and diarrhea. At this stage, officials stressed, it is only a suspicion, and the required tests are now underway. Results are expected in the coming days.

The ministry said the patient is being treated in isolation under professional procedures for highly infectious diseases and is being transferred to Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, which has been designated as one of the facilities prepared to receive such suspected cases. As part of the protocol, the ministry is also completing an epidemiological investigation to identify relevant contacts and examine any possible links between the cases. Once that work is finished, people assessed as relevant will be contacted proactively based on risk assessment.

Officials emphasized that Ebola is not spread through the air. Infection occurs through direct contact with a symptomatic patient or with blood, bodily fluids, or secretions. To rule out the suspicion, a series of laboratory tests is being carried out in line with accepted medical protocols in Israel and worldwide.

The ministry said it has been closely monitoring developments since Ebola outbreaks in recent months in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It added that it had already prepared the health system by distributing guidance to medical teams and hospitals, stocking protective equipment and specialized gear, setting up early-detection mechanisms for returning travelers from affected areas, and establishing a laboratory system for Ebola diagnosis.