Rwanda: Health screenings for DRC travelers (Ebola)

Event

Authorities at Kigali International Airport (KGL) put additional screening measures in place on Saturday, June 2, to monitor passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to an ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. Similar health screenings have been implemented at border crossings.

Context

An EVD outbreak is currently ongoing in the DRC; at least 57 cases were reported in Équateur province as of June 3, including 25 associated deaths.

EVD is extremely virulent. The disease is transmitted to humans via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals. The disease can then be transmitted between humans and is highly contagious, particularly during the hemorrhagic phase. Ebola is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, weakness, joint and muscle pain, and headache. A sore throat is also a common early symptom. These symptoms are followed by nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, kidney and liver failure, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding.

Advice

Individuals traveling to Rwanda from the DRC are advised to follow all instructions as issued by authorities.

Given the highly infectious nature of EVD, travelers should avoid affected areas and monitor the situation. To prevent the spread of EVD:

• Avoid contact with infected individuals and any items that have been in their close proximity
• Avoid consuming bush meat and only handle animals when wearing gloves and the appropriate protective wear
• Animal products (meat and blood) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption
• Adhere to a strict observance of hygienic precautions (wash hands regularly, etc.)
• Avoid crowded areas (stadiums, markets, train stations, etc.)

Individuals exhibiting the abovementioned symptoms - particularly after potential exposure to disease vectors - should seek immediate medical attention.