‘Israel’ reports second suspected Ebola case in traveler from DRC

‘Israeli’ health authorities announced that a second individual who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been hospitalized in isolation at Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv after developing symptoms consistent with possible Ebola infection.

The patient exhibited fever, headache, and diarrhea shortly after arrival. Laboratory testing is underway, with results anticipated in the coming days.

This development follows a first suspected case reported just days earlier, involving another traveler from the DRC who was isolated at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa with fever and headache.

According to the Health Ministry, no Ebola infections have been confirmed in either instance, and preliminary assessments suggest the initial case is likely negative.

Both individuals are receiving care under strict isolation protocols designed for high-risk infectious diseases.

The incidents occur amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC, primarily involving the Bundibugyo virus in provinces such as Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu.

Health officials have reported dozens of confirmed and suspected cases in the region, along with associated fatalities. International bodies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have issued travel notices advising enhanced precautions or avoidance of non-essential travel to affected areas.

‘Israeli’ authorities have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, as Ebola is not transmitted through airborne routes but rather through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.

Public health experts around the world continue to stress the importance of prompt symptom reporting among recent travelers from affected regions.