Rwanda : Ministry of health issues Ebola notice

The Ministry of Health has issued a notice following reported outbreak of the deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever in neighboring Uganda.

The Government of Rwanda has put in place stringent measures that will ensure the safety of Rwandans from the deadly virus according to a press statement issued on Monday afternoon.

Over the weekend, Uganda’s Ministry of Health and World health Organisation (WHO) confirmed an outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Kibale district in Western Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Twenty people have so far been reported affected by the killer virus while 14 people are reported to have died as of July 29, 2012.

Kibale district is approximately 300 Kilometers from the Rwandan border. It is specifically near the districts of Musanze,  Nyagatare, Gicumbi and Burera.  Due to high traffic and population movements, there is risk that Ebola can be imported to Rwanda at any time.

According to Ministry of Health, 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 from all outlets.

Though no case has been reported in Rwanda for the last 15 years, government has put in place measures aimed at protecting Rwandans from this deadly disease but is also cautioning Rwandans to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases immediately.

Ministry of Health in collaboration with its partners and through the emergency preparedness team is taking actions for preparedness and response to prevent potential health risks that might be caused by the deadly disease.

Specifically, the Ministry of Health has issued alert warnings to all health centres on how to detect and handle cases should they arise. The Ministry is also training health care providers especially in districts neighbouring Uganda on case management and preventive measures.

In addition, all the necessary kits and medical supplies needed have been assembled and dispatched to health facilities in the bordering districts.

The public has further been asked to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility in case of suspicion of Ebola while those who have visited Uganda recently and got in contact with a person who is suspected to suffer from Ebola to contact the nearest health center.