The Ministry of health has assured the public that Rwanda is Ebola free and called on more vigilance to prevent the epidemic. This follows a wrong World Health Organization report stating that an Ebola victim-a Congolese woman who succumbed from the epidemic traveled through Rwanda on her way to do business in Uganda. Following the false report, household media houses like Reuters, The BBC reported only to find out later that it was wrong information Since then, WHO pulled down the report and apologized for the wrong information.

“This is wrong information, no Ebola victim traveled through Rwanda. Our country is Ebola free however the public should be more vigilant and practice hygiene to prevent the epidemic,” affirms Health Minister, Dr. Diane GASHUMBA.

The Ministry of health calls on every one to contribute to strengthening prevention measures against Ebola. A case of Ebola virus was confirmed on July 14 2019 in DRC’s Eastern town of Goma a close neighbor to Rwanda. The public is advised to avoid unnecessary travels to areas affected by Ebola, to immediately report to the nearest screening station if you are coming from an Ebola affected area, report any suspected Ebola cases via the Ministry of health toll free lines 114, police number 112 or to community health workers or the nearest health centre.

Among key prevention measures, people are reminded to wash their hands with clean water and soap at all time, to avoid contact with blood and body fluids, items that would have come in contact with an infected person’s blood and body fluids.

People are reminded that Ebola is transmitted through blood and body fluids, the likes of vomit, urine, saliva, sweat, name it. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pain, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, vomiting, red eyes, stomachache and bleeding through different body parts.

As part of prevention measures, Rwanda is screening for Ebola at all entry border and airports, Rwanda has also mobilized the public about Ebola and many simulation exercises have been carried out to assess Rwanda’s readiness to handle the epidemic in case there is a registered case.