Suspected Ebola Case in Jerusalem After Congo Return

The Health Ministry announced Thursday that a person suspected of carrying the Ebola virus is undergoing medical evaluation after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo several days ago and developing a fever. Officials emphasized that the case remains unconfirmed at this stage, and the individual will undergo a full medical workup and required testing. Results are expected within the coming days.

The patient is being treated under strict isolation protocols established for handling highly contagious diseases and has been transferred to Hadassah Medical Center Ein Kerem, designated as one of the specialized facilities for receiving such suspected cases. A series of laboratory tests will be conducted according to medical protocols standard in Israel and internationally to determine whether the patient has contracted the virus.

The Health Ministry has completed its epidemiological investigation to identify relevant contacts. Officials stressed that anyone who has not received direct communication from the ministry is not required to take any action at this time.

The ministry reminded the public that the Ebola virus is not airborne. Transmission occurs through direct contact with a symptomatic patient, or through contact with blood, bodily fluids, or secretions. Officials further emphasized that no confirmed case of Ebola has been diagnosed in Israel to date.

This marks the second suspected case in recent months. In mid-August, the Health Ministry reported another individual who returned from Congo with suspicious symptoms, but test results came back negative. That person was treated in isolation at a designated medical center, and laboratory tests conducted by the Health Ministry confirmed no Ebola infection had occurred.

Doctor in Africa conducting swab test on suspected case (Photo: Shutterstock)

Congo Outbreak

Against the backdrop of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Health Ministry has been monitoring global developments in recent months and maintaining systemic preparedness to ensure the healthcare system's readiness. As part of these efforts, professional guidelines have been distributed to medical teams and relevant hospitals, protective equipment and specialized gear have been procured, mechanisms for early identification of travelers returning from affected areas have been established, and laboratory systems for detecting Ebola have been set up.

According to data published at the end of August, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed the threshold of 6,000 confirmed cases: 6,041 infected and 2,911 deaths. This represents the largest Ebola outbreak in Congo's history, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.

The ministry is urging the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas with active Ebola transmission, primarily the Democratic Republic of Congo. Those who do travel to these regions are asked to receive personalized consultation at a travelers' clinic in accordance with Health Ministry guidelines.

Travelers who have returned from Congo and develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their stay are asked to remain at home, avoid contact with others, and contact the Health Ministry's Kol Habriut hotline by phone at *5400. It is important to mention during the call that the individual has returned from an area with active Ebola transmission.