Health Ministry investigating another suspected Ebola case after traveler returns from DR Congo

A second person is suspected of having Ebola after returning to Israel from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Health Ministry announced on Monday.

The ministry announced the first suspected Ebola case on August 11.

The latest patient, who returned to Israel several days earlier, sought medical treatment after developing a fever and other symptoms, which the ministry did not name. The Health Ministry said that this is not a confirmed Ebola case and that required tests are being conducted, with results expected in the coming days.

The person is expected to be treated in isolation at Sourasky Medical Center's Ichilov Hospital, Tel Aviv, one of the designated centers for suspected cases of this type, with all practitioners expected to follow protocols for handling high-risk infectious diseases.

The Health Ministry emphasized that no confirmed Ebola case has been diagnosed in Israel.

The ministry stressed that Ebola is not transmitted through the air and spreads through direct contact with a symptomatic person or with blood, bodily fluids, or secretions.

Health Ministry calls on Israelis to avoid nonessential travel to areas with Ebola 

The Health Ministry said it has monitored developments since the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and has prepared to ensure the health system is ready for possible cases. These measures include issuing guidelines to medical teams and hospitals, acquiring protective equipment and specialized supplies, establishing early detection mechanisms for people returning from affected areas, and setting up laboratory testing infrastructure.

The ministry called on the public to avoid nonessential travel to areas with active Ebola outbreaks, particularly the DRC.

Travelers returning from the DRC who develop a fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their stay are asked to remain at home, avoid contact with others, and call the Health Ministry’s Kol Habriut hotline at *5400.