Suspected Ebola in Israel: Traveler from Congo hospitalized in isolation

A suspected case of Ebola has been reported in Israel: a person who returned in recent days from the Democratic Republic of the Congo developed a fever and sought medical attention, the Ministry of Health announced this morning, Tuesday.

The individual is currently being treated at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba under strict isolation conditions. Medical teams are conducting tests to determine if the patient has indeed contracted the virus, with results expected within the next 24 hours. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that, at this stage, this remains only a suspicion.

Parallel to the testing, an epidemiological investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances of the man's stay in the Congo and to track any contacts he may have had since returning to Israel. This incident follows two other cases in recent weeks where Ebola was suspected in Israel; in both previous instances, the individuals remained under observation and in isolation according to protocol, and the possibility of infection was subsequently ruled out.

In recent months, against the backdrop of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the Ministry of Health has been monitoring developments and assessing the readiness of the national health system. The ministry reiterates its call for the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas with active Ebola transmission.

The Ministry of Health has instructed travelers returning from the Congo or Uganda, particularly from affected areas, to remain vigilant for fever or unusual symptoms for 21 days following their return. In such cases, individuals should:

1. Remain at home.

2. Avoid contact with others.

3. Contact the 'Kol HaBriut' call center by phone, noting their recent travel to an area with Ebola activity.

The ministry emphasizes again that no case of Ebola has been diagnosed in Israel to date, and the case at Soroka Hospital is still under investigation.