Minisante takes measures to prevent ebola entering Rwanda
Doctors attend an Ebola patient inside an isolation ward in Bundibugyo during a previous ebola outbreak in Uganda in December 2007. (photo Reuters)
Rwandan health authorities are on alert after an outbreak of the deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever was reported over the weekend in neighboring Uganda, and some measures to ensure the safety of the population as much as possible are being put in place.
The Ebola hemorrhagic fever, which broke out in Kibale district in Western Uganda near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has infected twenty people and claimed the lives of fourteen as of July 29, 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 orifices.
Although Kibale district is approximately 300 Km from the Rwandan border and specifically the districts of Musanze, Nyagatare, Gicumbi and Burera, there is risk that Ebola may be imported to Rwanda due to high traffic and population movements between the two countries.
“We have issued alert warnings to all health centers on how to detect and handle cases should they occur,” announced Arthur Asiimwe head of the Rwanda Health Communication Center. “The Ministry is also training health care providers especially in districts neighboring Uganda on case management and preventive measures.”
The necessary kit and medical supplies needed have also been assembled and dispatched to health facilities in the bordering districts. Though no case has been reported in Rwanda for the last 15 years, the population is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases immediately.
“But for now the country is safe and there is no need to panic,” remarked Asiimwe, adding that things are not grave to the point of restricting circulation at the border or putting up some other special measures. The public was requested to stay calm and continue business as usual.
Posted by Marie-Brigitte Kabalira
on Jul 31 2012. Filed under Daily News, Health, National.
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