Ministry of Health: The Next 21 Days Are Critical

The Ministry of Health announces that negative results have been received for an Ebola test conducted on a person suspected of having contracted the disease after recently returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ministry emphasizes that the tests were performed rigorously in accordance with professional procedures and accepted international guidelines for dealing with high-risk infectious diseases. As of this moment, no confirmed case of the virus has been diagnosed in Israel.

To prevent unnecessary public concern, the Ministry of Health clarifies that the Ebola virus is not airborne. Medical data shows that transmission occurs solely through direct contact with a sick person exhibiting symptoms, or alternatively through contact with blood, secretions, and bodily fluids.

Alongside this clarification, professional staff continue to maintain ongoing monitoring of reports regarding the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, and are conducting continuous systemic preparation aimed at ensuring optimal readiness of all medical teams for any possible scenario.

Alongside the reassuring report, the Ministry of Health reiterates its call to the general public to avoid non-essential travel to areas where there is active disease prevalence. Travelers who have returned from these areas should be aware of the following:

If you develop a fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of your return, you must stay at home and avoid any contact with other people.

In such cases, one must immediately contact the "Kol HaBriut" hotline at *5400 for further instructions. The ministry remains committed to updating the public and staff in the field regarding any developments.