Despite second suspected case, Ebola risk still low

Monday, June 22, 2026

Israeli health officials are isolating and monitoring a second traveler returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo with suspected Ebola symptoms. Although no confirmed cases have been reported, authorities are conducting detailed investigations to prevent any potential spread and have reassured the public that the risk remains low.

Israeli health authorities are monitoring a second suspected case of Ebola following the return of a traveler from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a significant outbreak of the virus is ongoing. The individual was admitted to Sheba Medical Center on Sunday and placed in isolation after developing symptoms consistent with Ebola. This follows a similar incident earlier this week involving another traveler from the DRC who was hospitalized at Rambam Medical Center under isolation protocols.

The Health Ministry has emphasized that, despite these developments, the risk to the general public remains low. Officials have confirmed that no cases of Ebola have been confirmed in Israel to date. While both individuals are considered suspected cases, the ministry has not disclosed whether laboratory tests confirming or excluding infection have been completed, nor have they provided a timeline for when definitive results might be available.

Authorities are conducting thorough epidemiological investigations for both cases, including detailed reviews of their travel and flight itineraries, activities within Israel, and potential interactions with others since their arrival. This process aims to determine whether there is any connection between the two individuals or if they share a common source of exposure while in the DRC.

The exact health status of the second patient remains undisclosed. Both are being treated according to established protocols for high-risk infectious diseases, including isolation to prevent possible spread. The Health Ministry noted that individuals identified as relevant contacts of the suspected cases will be contacted directly by public health officials and given instructions based on their level of exposure.

At this stage, the ministry has indicated that individuals who have not been contacted are not required to enter isolation, undergo testing, or take any additional precautionary measures. Public communication continues as health authorities closely monitor the situation amid ongoing concerns about the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.