Suspected Ebola patient undergoes testing at Rambam Medical Center, results expected in days

An individual suspected of having Ebola has been receiving treatment in isolation and is undergoing additional tests to determine if he has contracted the virus, the Health Ministry stated on Saturday.

The tests are expected to take 48 hours, with results due on Monday morning, according to the ministry, citing clinical reasons and ministry medical protocols.

The Health Ministry stated on Friday that the individual, who had returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, had sought out medical attention after developing a fever and a headache. He was then transferred to the Rambam Medical Center, which has a designated treatment center for these forms of suspected cases.

Necessary tests were conducted, and results were originally announced to take only 24 hours.

The Health Ministry said it is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation to locate those who had relevant contact with the individual.

No confirmed cases in Israel, Health Ministry issues travel warnings

Ebola is not an airborne virus and can only be transmitted through direct contact with a symptomatic person or their bodily fluids.

The Health Ministry reiterated that there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Israel and that no action is required from the public without a direct call from the ministry.

Additionally, the ministry cautioned against non-essential travel to areas where the Ebola epidemic is ongoing, primarily the DRC and Uganda.

Travelers who have returned from such areas and develop a fever or unusual symptoms within 21 days of their return are asked to stay home, self-isolate, and contact the Health Ministry.

The current Ebola outbreak was first confirmed in the DRC and Uganda in May and is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is no vaccine and no cure. As of Wednesday, a total of 896 confirmed cases, including 232 deaths, were reported by the DRC, and 19 cases were confirmed by Uganda, according to the World Health Organization.

At least 88 patients have recovered from the disease, 78 from the DRC and 10 from Uganda, the WHO stated.

However, health authorities suspect the numbers may not reflect the situation due to a lack of equipment, staff, and public trust, leading to a possible underreported level of cases.

Additionally, conflict within the region, displaced populations, and security fears around health facilities have posed additional challenges to healthcare workers monitoring the outbreak.