Israel investigating second suspected case of Ebola virus
Israel’s Ministry of Health reported on Sunday a second suspected case of Ebola in a traveler who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Sheba Medical Centre at Tel HaShomer in Ramat Gan, on June 25, 2023. Photo by Yossi Zeliger/TPS
According to the ministry, the individual arrived in Israel two days ago and later sought medical care after developing fever, headache, and diarrhea. Health officials stressed that this is a suspected case only, and laboratory testing is currently underway, with results expected in the coming days.
The ministry said the patient is being treated at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel’s largest hospital, in strict isolation in line with established protocols for high-risk infectious diseases.
The ministry is conducting an epidemiological investigation to identify and assess potential contacts, and said individuals determined to be at risk will be contacted directly.
The first case of suspected Ebola was announced on Friday, saying that a patient was being treated in isolation at the Rambam Hospital in Haifa. He too had recently visited the DRC.
Israel has never had a confirmed case of the virus. Since 2014, Israel has reported several suspected cases of Ebola, but testing determined all to be negative for the deadly virus.
Ebola is a severe, often fatal virus that causes high fever, bleeding, and organ failure.
The ministry emphasized that Ebola is not airborne and is transmitted only through direct contact with bodily fluids of a symptomatic infected person.
Travelers returning from affected regions who develop symptoms within 21 days are advised to self-isolate and contact the Ministry of Health.
