2nd person hospitalized for possible Ebola after recent trip to DRC

The Health Ministry says that a second individual suspected of contracting Ebola after returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is being transferred to Sheba Medical Center.

The ministry stresses it hasn’t been confirmed the man contracted the disease, and it is conducting tests. The results are expected in the coming days.

The ministry is completing an epidemiological investigation to trace relevant contacts and examine potential links between the suspected cases.

Contact tracing is also being carried out, and anyone who does not receive a communication from the ministry is not required to take any action at this stage.

The ministry reminds the public that Ebola is not airborne, and transmission occurs through direct contact with a symptomatic individual or with blood, body fluids, or secretions.

The ministry has distributed personal protective equipment to medical centers and established early identification mechanisms for travelers returning from affected areas. A system for laboratory identification of Ebola infections has been set up.

The ministry reiterates its call to the public to avoid non-essential travel to regions with active Ebola transmission, primarily the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. In the event of travel to these regions, it is recommended to obtain specific consultation in advance at a travel clinic, in accordance with the guidelines on the Health Ministry website.