developing· Health· Updated 14:59

Israel Reports Suspected Ebola Cases Amid African Outbreak

The Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, that two individuals who recently returned to Israel from the Democratic Republic of Congo are suspected of contracting Ebola. Both developed fevers after their return and have been placed in isolation at designated medical centers. One patient was admitted to Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, and the other was hospitalized at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

7 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 14:14

Plus

What happened

01Two individuals who recently returned to Israel from the Democratic Republic of Congo are suspected of having Ebola after developing fevers.
02One suspected patient is isolated at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, and the other is isolated at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.
03The Ministry of Health is conducting laboratory tests and an epidemiological investigation to trace potential contacts of the patients.
04No confirmed cases of Ebola have ever been diagnosed in Israel, and previous suspected cases in recent months all tested negative.
05Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, secretions, contaminated objects, or infected animals, and not through the air.
06The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo has resulted in over 9,800 cases and at least 4,750 deaths, according to Ice.
07Returning travelers from Congo with a fever above 38 degrees Celsius within 21 days must self-isolate and call the health hotline at *5400.
08The Ministry of Health advises against travel to affected areas in Congo and recommends postponing non-essential trips to neighboring nations.

The ministry emphasized that these are only suspicions at this stage, and laboratory tests are being conducted to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. No confirmed cases of Ebola have ever been diagnosed in Israel. An epidemiological investigation has been launched to identify potential contacts of the two patients, and the ministry stated that anyone not directly contacted does not need to take action.

Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with symptomatic individuals, their blood, bodily fluids, secretions, contaminated objects, or infected animals, rather than through the air. The Ministry of Health has been preparing the national health system for potential cases due to an ongoing outbreak in Congo, which Ice reported has caused over 9,800 cases and 4,750 deaths. Kan News noted that a significant outbreak began there in May 2026.

Travelers returning from Congo who develop a fever above 38 degrees Celsius or other unusual symptoms within 21 days are urged to self-isolate, avoid contact with others, and call the health hotline at *5400 before visiting any medical facility. The ministry also advises against travel to affected areas in Congo and recommends postponing non-essential trips to neighboring countries.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 7 newsrooms. Updated 15:06