Rwandan Government has called upon the public to be on the alert following the Ebola virus outbreak in Uganda.

The Ministry of Health says stringent measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of Rwandans from this deadly virus, following reported outbreak of the deadly Ebola fever in western Uganda.

By yesterday 20 people were reported to have been affected so far and 14 people have died in Uganda.

Government is cautioning Rwandans to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases immediately.

It has also put in place measures aimed at protecting Rwandans from this disease although no case has been reported in Rwanda for the last 15 years, according to a statement from the ministry.

“The Ministry of Health has issued alert warnings to all health centres on how to detect and handle cases, should they arise. The Ministry is also training health care providers especially in districts neighbouring Uganda on case management and preventive measures,” reads the statement in part.

All the necessary kit and medical supplies needed have been assembled and dispatched to health facilities in the bordering districts.

The outbreak started from Kibale District in Western Uganda.

Kibale district is approximately 300 Km from the Rwandan border and specifically the districts of Musanze, Nyagatare, Gicumbi and Burera.

Due to high traffic and population movements, there is risk that Ebola can be spread to Rwanda at any time.

Currently, no cases of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever have so far been reported in Rwanda.

The Ministry of Health has elaborated plans to effectively respond should the disease occur within our borders. The public has been requested to stay calm and continue business as usual.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a highly contagious disease transmitted from one person to another.

The disease is characterized by fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pains and bleeding from all orifices.

The public has been advised to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility in case of suspicion of Ebola.

Any person who visited Uganda and had contact with someone presenting signs and symptoms of Ebola should immediately inform the nearest health facility.

How Ebola is transmitted

The Ebola virus is highly infectious and spreads through direct contact with the body fluids and tissues of infected persons.

It can also be transmitted by handling sick or dead infected wild animals, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas and antelope.

Other symptoms include sudden fever, weakness, vomiting, muscle and abdominal pain, headache, red eyes, sore throat, diarrhoea, rashes, and bleeding from body openings.

By Maria Kaitesi, The New Times