The Ministry of Health announced today (Sunday) that there are two people in Israel suspected of having Ebola after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
One of the two, who returned to Israel two days ago, sought medical treatment after developing a fever, headache, and diarrhea.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that at this stage this is only a suspicion, and that the necessary tests are currently being conducted and their results are expected to be received in the coming days.
It was also reported that the person suspected of carrying the virus is being treated in isolation.
This is the second case of suspected Ebola virus infection in Israel, after last Friday night, a person suspected of having Ebola arrived in Israel after returning from Congo - and he is also being treated in isolation.
The Ministry of Health wishes to clarify that the virus is not transmitted through the air and that infection with it occurs only through direct contact with a sick person with symptoms or with the blood, body fluids, and secretions of such a person.
However, an epidemiological investigation is being conducted to identify "relevant contacts," and upon completion, proactive contacts will be made to people who are found to be "relevant according to the risk assessment.".
Anyone who does not receive a contact from the Ministry of Health is not required to take any action.
The Ministry of Health also called in its announcement to avoid non-essential travel to areas where there is active Ebola infection, with an emphasis on Congo and Uganda.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that currently these are only two suspected cases, and that no confirmed case of Ebola has been diagnosed in Israel to date.
The Congolese government announced tonight that the number of confirmed Ebola cases has risen to 965, with 247 of the patients having died.
