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Israel’s Health Ministry High Hospitalization Authority met Sunday evening to coordinate monitoring strategies for Ebola outbreaks currently spreading in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While officials stated the risk to Israel remains low, the ministry is reviewing World Health Organization updates and existing health system procedures to maintain preparedness.
Ebola case counts in Central Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 906 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of Wednesday. In Uganda, nine Ebola cases were confirmed as of Friday. According to WHO data, the total confirmed case count across both countries stands at 134, with 18 confirmed deaths.
Ministry of Health monitoring and preparedness
Ministry spokesperson Shira Solomon stated via a Telegram post that officials from the High Hospitalization Authority met Sunday evening to review updates from the WHO. The discussions focused on examining existing health system procedures and determining if further preparedness steps are necessary.
The Ministry emphasized that there are currently no known Ebola cases in Israel and stated that the risk of an outbreak within the country remains low. Health authorities noted they are continuing to monitor global developments, maintain contact with international bodies, and update medical teams as needed.
Travel recommendations and safety precautions
While health authorities are monitoring the situation, there is no current recommendation to avoid flights to Africa. Most travelers are not expected to be exposed to the disease, even during an active outbreak.
As of now, there is no recommendation to avoid flights to Africa, and most travelers are not expected to be exposed to the disease at all, even during a period of an active outbreak. However, the Ministry of Health recommends traveling with caution and higher awareness: Avoid areas where active cases exist, ensure frequent handwashing and disinfection, and avoid direct contact with sick people, body fluids, or objects that might be contaminated. Dr. Roni Farber, director of the Public Health Division at FemiRecent advances in treatments and vaccines have improved the management of outbreaks and helped reduce mortality rates. Health authorities advise travelers to affected regions to maintain good hygiene practices and avoid contact with sick individuals or contaminated materials. Consult your healthcare provider.
