Two Suspected Ebola Cases Hospitalized in Israel After Returning From Congo

Israel's Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that two individuals who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been hospitalized under isolation due to suspected Ebola infection. Both developed fevers after their return to Israel. The ministry stressed that these are only suspicions at this stage, and further tests will be conducted in the coming days to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. One patient was transferred to the Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer, and the other to Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, both designated facilities for handling such high-risk cases. The ministry is initiating an epidemiological investigation to identify potential contacts. Individuals not contacted by the Ministry of Health are not required to take any action. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's blood, bodily fluids, or secretions, or through contaminated objects or animals, and not through the air. The ministry is actively monitoring the Ebola outbreak in Congo and has implemented preparedness measures, including professional guidelines for medical teams, early detection systems for travelers from affected areas, and laboratory identification capabilities. Travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo who develop a fever above 38 degrees Celsius or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their stay are advised to self-isolate and contact the Ministry of Health's hotline. The ministry also recommends avoiding non-essential travel to affected regions in Congo and bordering countries, and exercising caution for travel to Kenya and Nigeria. No confirmed cases of Ebola have been diagnosed in Israel previously, with two previous suspected cases in August and early October testing negative.