Health Ministry Reports Two Suspected Ebola Cases After Travelers Return From Congo

Israel's Health Ministry said on November 3 that it had received reports of two people suspected of having Ebola after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo and developing fever. Both were referred for monitoring and treatment under isolation procedures for infectious diseases of high concern. The suspicion remains under investigation. The ministry emphasized: “No confirmed Ebola case has been diagnosed in Israel.” One person is being transferred to Sheba Medical Center and the other to Ichilov Medical Center, designated hospitals for receiving suspected cases. A series of laboratory tests will investigate the suspicion under professional protocols. The ministry will also complete an epidemiological investigation to identify relevant contacts; it said people who receive no contact from the ministry currently need take no action. Since the outbreak in Congo began, the ministry said, it has monitored developments and prepared the health system. It has distributed professional guidance to medical teams and relevant hospitals, established mechanisms to identify returning travelers early, and developed laboratory identification capability. The statement did not give test results or a timetable for completing them. The ministry instructed travelers returning from Congo who develop fever above 38°C or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their stay to remain home, avoid contact with others and call Kol Habriut at *5400, disclosing their travel. It said they should coordinate in advance before arriving at a medical institution. The ministry reiterated its travel warnings concerning Congo and said it would update the public and medical staff as necessary.