Israel rules out Ebola in two travelers returning from Congo

Israel's Health Ministry said tests carried out over the past few days came back negative for Ebola for two people who were suspected of the disease after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The examinations were done according to professional procedures and accepted international guidelines for handling high-risk infectious diseases.

The two are still receiving medical treatment based on their condition. The ministry stressed that, as of now, there has been no confirmed Ebola case in Israel.

The ministry also explained that Ebola is not airborne. Infection occurs through direct contact with a sick person who has symptoms, or with blood, body fluids, or secretions. It said it is continuing to monitor the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and is maintaining system-wide preparedness to ensure the health system is ready for any scenario.

The ministry again urged the public to avoid nonessential travel to areas with active Ebola transmission. Travelers returning from those areas who develop a fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of arrival back in Israel should stay home, avoid contact with others, and call the Health Ministry by phone.