{Following confirmed cases of Ebola in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, and given the escalating outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa, the Ministry of Health would like to assure the public that various preventive measures are in place to protect the Health of all residents and visitors of Rwanda.}
Public should not panic
Surveillance has been strengthened within the community and at all points of entry including all border posts in the country as well as airports. Referral hospitals, district hospitals and other health facilities are well equipped and staff have been trained to handle any cases. The Ministry of Health in collaboration other concerned institutions through the national emergency preparedness teams has put in place actions for preparedness and elaborated plans to prevent any potential health risks of Ebola.
With all the preventive measures in place set according to the national standards, the Ministry of Health calls on the public to stay calm. Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a highly contagious disease transmitted from person to person and characterized by fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains and bleeding from all body openings. It is not an airborne disease.
What is required from all residents and visitors?
– Continue the good culture of seeking medical care in case of any sickness
– To immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility in case someone presents signs and symptoms of Ebola or call our hotline on 114.
– To stop all nonessential travels to the affected countries
– All passengers must go through the screening processes for Ebola prevention as per measures set up by the Government of Rwanda at all border posts. NO one will be allowed to proceed for clearance unless they have been screened.
– Cooperate and assist in the implementation of all existing precautionary measures including quarantine for 21 days.
Note:
Any passenger with a fever of 37.5 degrees celsius and above will not be allowed to enter Rwanda. Rwanda returning passengers (residents) will be requested to stay at an isolation facility at the border posts for further medical checks and consistent follow up by health professionals accredited by the Ministry of Health, up to clearance as per the Ministry of Health Protocol.
The Ministry of Health strongly recommends that all passengers coming from the Republics of Guinea-Conakry, Liberia and Sierra Leone or anyone who has travelled to those countries within the last 22 days be stopped from boarding flights to Rwanda or to enter Rwanda by any means of transport. An exception is only provided for passengers with special authorization signed by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Rwanda
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