Condition of suspected Ebola case is improving, has malaria

Rwanda Health Minister Dr Agnes Binagwaho and Infrastructure counterpart James Musoni launching vigorous airport screen for travellers at Kigali International Airport

Full statement from Rwanda Ministry of Health

Following yesterday’s report of a patient who was identified in Rwanda with Ebola like symptoms, the Ministry of Health would like to inform the public that the patient’s condition is improving.

As we await for the results from the samples that were taken for tests, we would like to assure the public that the patient is at our isolation facility in Kanombe and as of today, his temperature has significantly gone down and he is recovering well from the malaria and other symptoms.

Other people that were put in quarantine among them, nurses, doctors, health managers, cashiers, patients as well as other people who had been in contact with the suspected case have not shown any symptoms or signs of Ebola at this time and are doing well.

Our surveillance and response team will continue to follow up on the situation and constant updates will be shared with the public as they come through.

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 characterised by fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains and bleeding. It is not an airborne disease.

The government has put in place measures aimed at protecting Rwandans from Ebola
but is also cautioning Rwandans to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases
immediately.

Surveillance systems and emergency management systems are in place. Health
workers have been trained across the country and are vigilant. This will enable timely detection, notification and appropriate management of any suspected cases to safeguard Rwandans.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FROM THE PUBLIC

• 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.

CURRENT SITUATION

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever has not been confirmed in Rwanda, what we have now is
a suspected case. The Ministry of Health has elaborated plans to effectively respond
should the disease occur within our borders.

We request the public to stay calm and continue business as usual.