In a set of guidelines issued on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the ministry said the decision is aimed at minimizing close contact and curbing the spread of the disease. Visits will resume after an assessment by MINEDUC and health authorities.
Parents have been asked to use alternative means to provide their children with supplies, where necessary.
"In case a student urgently needs supplies, the parent will work with the school administration to send them through other means, including digitally where possible," the ministry announced.
Parents have also been urged to keep a student displaying any symptoms of Marburg virus at home.
"Take the student with symptoms to a health center immediately, and do not return them to school until cleared by a medical professional," the ministry advised.
Additionally, MINEDUC directed school administrators and teachers to monitor students and help them access medical facilities if they report symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, severe headaches, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Other measures include encouraging students to practice good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing; preventing students from sharing clothes and personal items; and communicating to students not to panic but to follow all the preventive measures.
Students are required to comply with all preventive measures to help stop the spread of Marburg virus disease.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak six days ago, with 29 cases and 10 deaths reported as of Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
To control the spread of the virus, the government has introduced several general measures, including the suspension of hospital visits, the banning of wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) in cases of Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials related to Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities have been directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
