The Ministry of Health announced Tuesday morning that it is investigating a suspected case of Ebola in Israel after a person who returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo several days ago developed a fever and sought medical treatment.
The ministry stressed that there is currently only a suspicion of Ebola, with laboratory tests now being conducted to determine whether the person is infected. The patient is being treated at Soroka Hospital under isolation conditions in accordance with established medical procedures. Results are expected within the next day, while an epidemiological investigation is being conducted in parallel.
The Ministry of Health said it has been closely monitoring developments in recent months amid Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The health system has also carried out extensive preparations to ensure it is equipped to respond to potential cases.
The ministry urged the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas where Ebola transmission is active, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Those who must travel to affected areas are advised to seek individualized guidance at a travel clinic before departure.
Travelers returning from the Congo or Uganda, particularly from areas experiencing active transmission, are urged to monitor themselves for 21 days after returning. Anyone who develops a fever or unusual symptoms during that period should remain at home, avoid contact with others, and contact the Ministry of Health's Health Call Center by telephone.
The ministry emphasized that anyone contacting the call center should inform staff that they recently stayed in an area where Ebola transmission is occurring. "At this time, this is only a suspicion," the Ministry of Health reiterated, adding that it will continue to provide updates to the public and medical teams as necessary.