In a health alert posted on its website, the U.S. government stated that the decision, which will take effect from Monday, September 30 to Friday, October 4, 2024, was made out of an abundance of caution as the government assesses the severity of the MVD outbreak.
The suspended services include American Citizen Services and visa interviews.
At the same time, the embassy noted that its staff members in Kigali have been authorized to work remotely during this period.
'The Government of Rwanda has confirmed cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in health facilities in Rwanda. Out of an abundance of caution as we learn the scope and severity of the MVD outbreak, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali is authorizing its employees to work remotely from September 30 to October 4, 2024,' the embassy stated.
"All in-person services at the U.S. Embassy during this period will be suspended, including American Citizen Services and visa interviews."
The Government of Rwanda confirmed the outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) on Friday, September 27, 2024, stating that cases had been identified among patients in health facilities across the country. The government announced enhanced measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including contact tracing and testing.
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the Ministry of Health revealed that a total of 26 cases had been confirmed in the country, including six deaths. The ministry urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, muscle aches, and stomach pain to call the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) at the toll-free number 114 or visit the nearest health facility.
The Marburg virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces or materials, such as bedding and clothing. This transmission can occur through broken skin or mucous membranes, such as those found in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, wearing protective clothing when caring for someone infected or working in a high-risk environment, and avoiding contact with infected animals, especially fruit bats and non-human primates. Humans are also advised to avoid touching or consuming bushmeat.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
