Two Israelis Suspected of Ebola After Returning From Congo

Israel's Ministry of Health announced Tuesday evening that two Israelis are being investigated for suspected Ebola infection after returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and developing fevers.

Health officials emphasized that neither case has been confirmed and that epidemiological investigations and laboratory testing are still underway.

Both individuals have been referred for medical evaluation and monitoring under isolation conditions, in accordance with established protocols for handling potentially serious infectious diseases.

One patient was transferred to Sheba Medical Center, while the other was taken to Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Both hospitals are designated facilities equipped to manage suspected cases of high-risk infectious diseases.

The Ministry of Health is conducting an epidemiological investigation to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the patients and determine whether additional precautions are necessary.

Officials stressed that anyone who is not contacted directly by the Ministry of Health does not need to take any action at this stage.

Ebola is a serious viral disease that spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, or through contact with the remains of someone who has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contaminated objects or contact with infected animals.

Unlike airborne infections such as measles, Ebola does not spread through ordinary casual contact or through the air.

To determine whether either patient has contracted the virus, medical teams will conduct laboratory tests in accordance with established Israeli and international health protocols.

The Ministry of Health has also issued guidance for travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Anyone who develops a fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or other unusual symptoms within 21 days of returning from the country is instructed to remain at home, avoid contact with others, and contact the Ministry of Health's Kol HaBriut hotline at *5400 for further instructions.

Travelers should not visit a hospital or other medical facility without arranging their arrival in advance and must inform health officials that they recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The ministry reiterated its recommendation to avoid travel to areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo affected by the outbreak.

It also advised against non-essential travel to neighboring countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo.

Travelers considering visits to Kenya or Nigeria were also encouraged to reassess whether their trips are necessary.

For now, health officials are continuing their investigations while awaiting laboratory results that will determine whether the two suspected cases are linked to Ebola.