KIGALI, Aug. 18, (Xinhua/GNA) — The Rwandan Ministry of Health confirmed four mpox cases on Friday, all linked to recent international travel.
The ministry stressed the importance of vigilant monitoring and management of cross-border health threats, and is actively conducting contact tracing and case investigations, to prevent further spread of the virus within the country, in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and other relevant stakeholders, it said in a statement. Active screening for symptoms is also being carried out at entry points to promptly identify and address any suspected cases, said the statement. “We wish to reassure the public that the situation is under control, and extensive measures have been taken to prevent further cases,” the statement added.
Traveling to and within Rwanda remains safe, and all necessary precautions are in place to protect residents and visitors.” The public is urged to follow standard preventive measures to reduce the risk of mpox transmission.
This includes practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms like rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop, and staying informed by following guidance from health officials.
According to the statement, the Rwandan government remains committed to safeguarding public health and effectively containing the spread of mpox.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Wednesday, activating its highest level of global alert for mpox for the second time in two years.
Mpox is an infectious disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, transmitted through close contact.
Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain.
The WHO reports multiple outbreaks of different mpox clades worldwide, each with varying transmission modes and risk levels.
GNA