Rwanda closes border with DR Congo over Ebola fears
Rwanda has closed its border with DR Congo as it intensifies efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola.
Olivier Nduhungirehe, the State Minister in Charge of East African Community in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Rwanda had closed its Rubavu border after a third case of Ebola was reported in the border town of Goma, DR Congo. He did not divulge details.
Rwanda, which has been commended by the Word Health Organisation (WHO) on its Ebola preparedness efforts, has been on a high alert since the first case of Ebola outbreak was reported in Goma last month.
According to information coming from the DR Congo, a one-year-old girl has died of Ebola, becoming the third victim of the outbreak in the densely populated city of Goma.
This comes only a day after a second case was confirmed – sending rapid response teams into action to prevent further transmission.
No case has been reported on Rwandan soil yet.
Over 5000 health workers have been vaccinated against Ebola in Goma, DRC. Health centres have been provided with training and equipment to improve infection prevention and control.
Screenings at border crossings have been reinforced & 24h monitoring implemented at the airport”.
In a statement yesterday, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the risk of the spread of the epidemic is high.
The population in Goma, he said, is highly mobile: “So this is an event we have anticipated”.
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