Health Ministry Warns Against Travel to Ebola-Hit Congo, Neighboring Nations

Israel's Ministry of Health has updated its travel advisories due to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The ministry strongly recommends avoiding all non-essential travel to the DRC and its bordering countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, and Tanzania. Travelers considering trips to Kenya and Nigeria are also advised to reassess the necessity of their travel, as cases have been reported there as well, though community transmission is not yet confirmed.

The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or deceased persons, contaminated objects, or infected animals, and is not airborne. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, with an incubation period of 2 to 21 days.

In the DRC, over 9,800 confirmed cases and at least 4,750 deaths from Ebola have been reported. Travelers returning from the DRC who develop a fever of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) or higher, or any unusual symptoms within 21 days of their visit, are instructed to self-isolate, avoid contact with others, and call the Health Ministry's hotline for guidance. They are also told not to go to a medical facility without prior coordination, and to mention their travel to an Ebola-affected area.