Health Ministry says two Congo returnees tested negative for Ebola

Israel’s Health Ministry said on Tuesday that two people recently examined after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo tested negative for Ebola. The pair had developed suspicious symptoms, and the tests were carried out according to professional procedures and accepted international guidelines for handling high-risk infectious diseases.

The two were reported in recent days as suspected cases after coming back from an area where an Ebola outbreak is under way, with symptoms including fever, headache and diarrhea. They were isolated at Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, which was designated to receive such suspected patients, and were tested in Health Ministry laboratories. According to the official statement, they continue to receive medical treatment based on their condition, but there is still no confirmed Ebola case in Israel.

The ministry said 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 also said it has completed an epidemiological investigation to identify relevant contacts and possible links, in line with medical protocols, so that those who need to be reached can be contacted accurately.

The ministry continues to monitor the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and is maintaining system-wide preparedness. It said the current outbreak is caused by a rare strain called Bundibugyo. The International Rescue Committee warned it could become the “deadliest ever recorded” if urgent international action is not taken, saying it is spreading faster than it can be contained. The group said there are more than 900 suspected cases and at least 223 deaths, with the disease no longer limited to remote eastern Congo but reaching cities including Goma and Kampala. It also noted attacks on medical facilities and patients escaping isolation, which are hindering containment efforts. The ministry again urged the public to avoid nonessential travel to areas with active Ebola transmission, and told returnees who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days to stay home, avoid contact with others and contact the ministry.