Israel Issues New Travel Warnings Amid Deadly Ebola Outbreak in Congo
Israel's Ministry of Health has issued updated travel advisories amid a severe Ebola outbreak in the DRC, urging citizens to avoid non-essential trips to affected African regions and outlining strict medical guidelines for returnees.
The Ministry of Health has updated its travel advisories following a major Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and reports of cases in other African nations. According to official data, the DRC has recorded over 9,800 confirmed cases and at least 4,750 fatalities. Additional cases have recently been reported in Kenya and Nigeria, though no community transmission has been detected in those countries so far.
In response to the spread, the Ministry strongly advises against all travel to affected provinces in the DRC, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, Bas-Uele, Sud-Ubangi, and Nord-Ubangi. Furthermore, citizens are advised to postpone non-essential travel to the rest of the DRC and neighboring countries such as Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo.
For travelers planning trips to Kenya and Nigeria, authorities recommend carefully considering the necessity of the journey. Travelers heading to these regions should consult a travel clinic beforehand, strictly follow safety guidelines provided by health authorities, and monitor local updates.
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids and secretions from infected or deceased individuals, contaminated objects, or infected animals. The virus is not airborne. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, with symptoms including fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Individuals who have visited affected areas and develop a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, along with other unusual symptoms within 21 days of their stay, are urged to stay home, isolate from others, and immediately contact the health hotline at *5400. Patients are strictly instructed not to visit medical facilities without prior coordination and must disclose their travel history during the call.
The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the outbreak and preparing response measures, which include issuing professional guidelines for medical staff, securing protective equipment, and setting up specialized laboratory diagnostics.
