Suspected Ebola case: Congo traveller isolated in Israel

The Health Ministry announced today (Sunday) that it has received a report of a suspected Ebola case involving a person who returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo and developed fever after arriving in Israel. At this stage the case remains unconfirmed, and the required investigation and testing are underway. Test results are expected to be received later today.

The individual is being treated in isolation under the professional protocols established for handling high-risk infectious diseases, and has been transferred to Sheba Medical Centre, which has been designated as one of the specialist centres for receiving people suspected of suffering from Ebola.

In accordance with protocols, the Health Ministry will complete an epidemiological investigation to identify relevant contacts. Anyone who does not receive direct contact from the Health Ministry is not required to take any action at this stage.

The Health Ministry emphasises that Ebola is not transmitted through the air, and infection occurs through direct contact with a symptomatic patient or with blood, bodily fluids or secretions.

Sealed room designated for Ebola patients (Photo: Shutterstock)

Since the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo began, the Health Ministry has been monitoring developments around the world on an ongoing basis and maintaining systemic preparedness to ensure the health system is optimally ready for any possible scenario.

As part of the preparations, professional guidelines have been distributed to medical teams and relevant hospitals for handling suspected cases. In addition, the ministry has completed procurement of protective equipment and specialist gear, established early-detection mechanisms for travellers returning from outbreak areas, and set up a laboratory system for identifying Ebola infection.

The Health Ministry is again calling on the public to avoid travel to areas where there is active Ebola infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo in particular, and to avoid non-essential travel to that country in general. In the event of travel, it is recommended to receive individual consultation at a travellers' clinic, in accordance with the guidelines on the Health Ministry website.

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

Travellers who have returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo and develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their stay there are asked to remain at home, avoid contact with others, and contact the Health Ministry by telephone. It is important to inform them already during the call that you stayed in an area where there is Ebola infection.

The Health Ministry stresses that no confirmed case of Ebola has been diagnosed in Israel. This is the second suspected Ebola case in Israel in the past two months. In mid-August, the Health Ministry reported another suspected case involving a person who returned from Congo, but the result came back negative.