Israel Updates Travel Advisories Amid Ebola Outbreak in Africa

Israel's Ministry of Health announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, updated recommendations for travelers to Africa due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and reports of cases in other African nations. The DRC has recorded over 9,800 confirmed Ebola cases and at least 4,750 deaths. Cases have also recently been reported in Kenya and Nigeria, though no community transmission has been confirmed in these two countries yet. The Ministry strongly advises against travel to the affected provinces in the DRC, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Upper Uele, Tshopo, Lower Uele, South Ubangi, and North Ubangi. It also recommends avoiding non-essential travel to the rest of the DRC and its neighboring countries: Uganda, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, and the Republic of Congo. For those considering travel to Kenya and Nigeria, the Ministry urges reconsideration of the necessity of such trips. Travelers to these nations are advised to seek individual medical consultation at a travel medicine clinic before departure, follow detailed prevention measures on the Ministry's website, and adhere to local health authority guidelines. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids and secretions of infected or deceased individuals, or contact with contaminated objects or animals; it does not spread through the air. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, with symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Ministry stressed that individuals who have been in Ebola-affected areas and develop a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their visit, must self-isolate, avoid contact with others, and immediately call the Ministry's information center, "Kol Habriut," at 5400 for instructions. They should not go to any medical facility without prior coordination, informing the center about their travel history. The Ministry is continuously monitoring the outbreak, preparing to manage suspected cases with professional guidelines for medical teams, protective equipment, and laboratory testing capabilities, and will provide further updates as needed.