Two suspected Ebola cases hospitalized in Israel isolation

The Health Ministry announced Tuesday that two people are suspected of having contracted Ebola after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo and developing fever following their arrival in Israel. At this stage, the cases remain suspected only, and the required investigation and testing will be completed in the coming days.

The patients have been referred for monitoring and treatment in isolation conditions according to professional protocols established for handling highly contagious diseases. One person was transferred to Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer and the other to Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, both designated as specialized centers for receiving such suspected cases.

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

The Health Ministry notes that the Ebola virus is transmitted through direct contact with a symptomatic patient or with blood, bodily fluids or secretions of patients or deceased persons, contaminated objects, or infected animals. The virus is not airborne.

To investigate the suspected infection, a sequence of laboratory tests will be conducted according to professional medical protocols accepted in Israel and worldwide. Test results are expected to be received in the coming days.

Sealed room designated for Ebola patients (Photo: Shutterstock)

Since the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Health Ministry has been continuously monitoring developments worldwide and maintaining systematic preparedness to ensure optimal readiness of the health system 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, early detection mechanisms have been established for travelers returning from outbreak areas, and a laboratory system has been set up for identifying Ebola infection.

Travelers who have returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo and within 21 days of their stay in the country developed fever above 38 degrees Celsius or unusual symptoms are asked to remain at home and avoid contact with others. They should make telephone contact with the Health Ministry's Kol Habriut hotline at *5400 to receive instructions. Do not arrive at a medical facility without prior coordination, and mention the stay in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the call.

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

The Health Ministry reiterates its recommendation to avoid travel to the infected provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, Bas-Uélé, Sud-Ubangi and Nord-Ubangi and to avoid non-essential travel to the rest of the country.

The ministry also recommends avoiding unnecessary travel to countries bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo: Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola and the Republic of Congo. For travelers to Kenya and Nigeria, consider the necessity of the trip.

In any case of travel to the aforementioned countries, precautionary measures should be taken as detailed on the Health Ministry website, travelers should stay updated on recommendations from local health authorities, and before travel should receive personal consultation at a travelers' clinic.

The Health Ministry emphasizes that no confirmed case of Ebola has been diagnosed in Israel. In mid-August, the Health Ministry reported another suspected case of a person who returned from Congo, but the result came back negative. In early October as well, a report was received of a suspected Ebola case, and the results came back negative.