Health Officials Suspect Ebola in Israeli Returning From DR Congo

An Israeli man who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo is isolated at Soroka Medical Center under suspicion of Ebola after developing a fever, the Health Ministry announced Tuesday.

The man sought medical treatment days after arriving back and was placed in isolation pending test results, expected within 24 hours. The ministry cautioned that Ebola remains only a suspicion at this stage, with an epidemiological investigation ongoing.

The Health Ministry advised against nonessential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, particularly in areas with active infections. Those who must travel are urged to visit a travel clinic beforehand.

Returning travelers from either country who develop a fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days should isolate at home, avoid contact with others, and call the Health Ministry hotline at *5400, specifying their country of travel.

Israel has never had a confirmed Ebola case. Two suspected cases reported in June tested negative.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is managing an ongoing Ebola outbreak, with the World Health Organization reporting 4,209 confirmed cases and 1,916 deaths as of August 7, following the outbreak's declaration in mid-May. Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths.

The ministry stated that Israel's health system has prepared for the potential arrival of cases from affected regions.