Health Ministry: Person returning from Congo hospitalized in isolation on suspicion of Ebola

The Health Ministry announced this morning a preliminary report of a person suspected of having Ebola, who returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He developed a fever and sought medical care, and is hospitalized in isolation at Soroka. Tests are currently being conducted, and results are expected within the next day. Meanwhile, an epidemiological investigation is underway. The ministry calls on the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas with active disease, and reiterates the outbreak in Congo and Uganda.

The Health Ministry announced this morning (Tuesday) that a preliminary report has been received of a person suspected of having Ebola, after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The individual returned to Israel a few days ago and developed a fever, prompting him to seek medical care. He is hospitalized at Soroka Medical Center in isolation, in accordance with professional protocols and the preparedness that was established in advance. The required tests are currently being conducted, and results are expected within the next day. In parallel, an epidemiological investigation is underway. The Health Ministry emphasized that at this stage it is only a suspicion, and noted that in recent months, since the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, they have been continuously monitoring developments worldwide and conducting situational assessments and systemic preparedness. The ministry calls on the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas with active disease, including Congo and Uganda, and to consult a travel clinic before traveling. The announcement recalls that in June, two additional suspects returned from Congo, but Professor Sigal Sadetzky, head of the Public Health Division, clarified then that there was no concern of infection among flight passengers and no isolation was required for their family members.