Health Ministry investigates second suspected Ebola case after Congo return

Israel’s Health Ministry said Sunday morning that it had received a report of a second person suspected of having Ebola after returning to Israel from the Democratic Republic of Congo two days earlier. The man sought medical care after developing fever, headache and diarrhea, and officials stressed that, for now, it is only a suspicion while the required tests are being carried out. Results are expected in the coming days.

The patient is being treated in isolation under procedures for high-risk infectious diseases and is being transferred to Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, which the ministry says is one of the designated centers for such cases. The ministry is also completing an epidemiological investigation to identify relevant contacts and check whether there is any connection between the cases. It said only people contacted by the ministry need to take action, and that anyone who is not contacted does not need to do anything at this stage.

The ministry reiterated that Ebola is not airborne and is transmitted through direct contact with a symptomatic patient or with blood, body fluids or secretions. It said laboratory testing is being done in line with accepted medical protocols in Israel and worldwide.

Officials added that, since outbreaks have been ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in recent months, the ministry has maintained broad preparedness measures, including guidance for medical teams and hospitals, protective equipment, early detection mechanisms for returning travelers, and laboratory capability for Ebola diagnosis. The public is being urged to avoid nonessential travel to affected areas, and anyone returning from Congo or Uganda who develops fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days should stay home, avoid contact with others and call the Health Ministry hotline *5400. The ministry said no confirmed Ebola case has been identified in Israel.