Ebola Scare Eases in Israel as Tests for Traveler Return Negative

The Ministry of Health announced on Sunday that laboratory tests for Ebola returned negative for a patient who had been hospitalized over suspected exposure. The concern arose after the citizen returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo a few days prior and developed a fever.

The tests were conducted in accordance with professional procedures and international guidelines for managing high-risk infectious diseases. The patient was evacuated under isolation conditions for laboratory evaluation at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, which is designated as a specialized facility for such cases. Concurrently, the Ministry completed an epidemiological investigation to trace contacts, clarifying that anyone who has not been contacted by the ministry is not required to take any action.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that currently no confirmed case of Ebola has been diagnosed. Furthermore, health authorities reminded the public that Ebola is not airborne; transmission occurs exclusively through direct contact with a symptomatic infected person or with their blood, body fluids, and secretions.

In recent months, the Ministry of Health has monitored developments following the disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As part of preparations, guidelines were distributed to medical teams and hospitals, protective gear and specialized equipment were stocked, and early detection mechanisms along with laboratory identification systems were established.

The Ministry urges the public to avoid non-essential travel to areas with active outbreaks, primarily the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travelers returning from the country who develop a fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their stay are requested to stay home, avoid contact with others, and contact the "Kol HaBriut" hotline at *5400. The ministry stated it will continue to update the public and medical teams as necessary.