Ebola risk remains low, health ministry says, as second DRC returnee showing symptoms hospitalized

Another traveler returning to Israel from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been hospitalized in isolation at Sheba Medical Center after developing symptoms, raising concerns about potential Ebola cases. This marks the second suspected case in Israel within days, following another traveler hospitalized at Rambam Medical Center with fever and headache after returning from the DRC, where a widespread Ebola outbreak is occurring.

The Health Ministry has not confirmed whether the hospitalized individuals have Ebola, stating that these are only suspected cases and no confirmed diagnosis has been made. While laboratory test results are pending, officials are conducting parallel epidemiological investigations for each case. These investigations examine the travelers' routes, recent activities in Israel, and potential exposure to the same source of infection in the DRC.

Authorities are meticulously tracing the flight and travel routes of both individuals. They are also examining the places visited since their arrival in Israel, the people they met, and the possibility of shared exposure in the DRC. The ministry is also investigating whether there is any connection between the two passengers. The public is reassured that only individuals defined as relevant contacts will be directly contacted by public health officials with specific instructions.

Medical authorities are treating the hospitalized patients in isolation rooms, adhering to established procedures for high-risk infectious diseases. The exact medical condition of the second patient was not disclosed. The first case involved a man who developed fever and headache and was transferred to Rambam, a designated center for suspected cases, where he was placed in a negative-pressure room separate from the general emergency room.