Rwanda: Authorities indicate border with DRC remains open August 1 /update 1

Event

The Government of Rwanda confirmed on Thursday evening (local time), August 1, that the land border with the DRC is open following an earlier "traffic slow-down." Officials indicated that increased health screening mechanisms have been deployed to border crossings after the second Ebola-related death and a confirmed third case of the disease in the densely populated border city of Goma (DRC) a day prior. Further information on the earlier border restriction and response can be found on the website of the Rwandan government.  

A heightened security presence, increased processing times, and heightened health screening measures are to be expected at border crossings over the coming weeks.

Context

The Rwandan government claimed on August 1 that its border had remained open throughout the day, countering an earlier statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe and Congolese officials that the border had closed. 

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.