Ebola: Rwanda deploys hundreds of medics, sets special clinic

Rwanda has deployed medics and installed a temporary clinic at Kigali International Airport following red alerts of an eminent spread of the Ebola virus that is taking toll on West Africa.

“We are ready with so many things”, said Health Minister, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho.

Over 270 medics and a temporally clinic have been put on stand-by at the airport, just in case. Passenger screening has also began at Kigali International Airport.

Rwanda’s national carrier, Rwandair, has weekly flights to a number of West African countries, including Nigeria, which has issued a “red alert”.

Nathan Mugume of Rwanda health communication center, says the country “is prepared in terms of logistics, healthcare and public awareness.”

“We are giving manuals on Ebola virus to people on board, including air-hostesses”, Mugume said. Passengers from West Africa are monitored while in the country.

Until press time, Rwanda was Ebola-free.

Liberia’s President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has announced that her country is facing a “public health disaster”. By press time, 672 people had been confirmed dead allover West Africa, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

Experts are say 90% of those infected with Ebola virus die, but patients can survive if they receive early treatment.

The virus spreads via contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. Symptoms range from high fever, bleeding, to damage to the central nervous system.

Fruit bats, a popular dish across West Africa, are believed to be a “natural host” of the virus.

The European Commission has pledged €2 million in emergency response amidst growing fears the virus may spread to other parts of the world.

Reports say the funds will facilitate WHO, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and to Doctors Without Borders – or Médecins Sans Frontières.

By Didier Bikorimana

KT Press