24-Year-Old Returning from Congo Suspected of Having Ebola
The Ministry of Health reported a suspected case of Ebola in Israel: a 24-year-old man who returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo is being treated in an isolated room at Soroka. Tests to diagnose the virus have been conducted, and results are expected within the next day. The ministry urges avoiding non-essential travel to areas with active outbreaks, including Congo and Uganda.
The Ministry of Health has issued an initial report of a person suspected of having Ebola, after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo a few days ago. The individual is a 24-year-old man, currently being treated in an isolated room at Soroka Medical Center, after arriving at the emergency room. The Ministry emphasizes that this is currently only a suspicion; tests to diagnose the virus have been conducted, and results are expected within the next day. The Ebola virus, strain 'Bundibugyo', has been causing a severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo since last May. The Ministry is monitoring global developments and urges the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas with active Ebola transmission, primarily the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The Ministry recommends that travelers to these countries receive prior individual consultation at a travel clinic, in accordance with guidelines on the Ministry's website. Travelers returning from these areas, especially from regions with active transmission, who develop fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of return, are asked to stay home, avoid contact with others, and contact the Ministry's health hotline at *5400.