Rwanda: Authorities close border with DRC August 1

Event

On Thursday, August 1, Rwandan authorities closed land borders with the DRC until further notice following a second Ebola death and a third case of the disease confirmed the day prior in the densely populated city of Goma, located near the border with Rwanda. The measure has been implemented to avoid spreading the disease into Rwanda.

A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in the near term in the border area.

Context

Goma hosts 2 million people and is a major transport hub located near the Rwandan city of Gisenyi, home to 85,000 people. Cross-frontier links are significant between the two cities.

As of Monday, July 29, at least 2687 cases of EVD have been reported in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, as well as 1803 associated deaths. On July 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in the DRC's North Kivu and Ituri provinces constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern." The WHO defines a "public health emergency of international concern" as an "extraordinary event" that constitutes a public health risk to multiple states through the international spread of a disease and which may require an international response.

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

Travelers should avoid areas affected by the outbreak 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 appropriate protective wear.

• Animal products (e.g. meat and blood) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

• Adhere to a strict observance of hygienic precautions (e.g. wash hands regularly, etc.).

• Avoid crowded areas (e.g. stadiums, markets, train stations, etc.).

Individuals exhibiting the abovementioned symptoms and traveling in an area of active EVD transmission should seek immediate medical attention and comply with all directives issued by local health authorities.