In a recent media address, the minister stated that the use of shared helmets by pillion passengers, especially those showing symptoms, could increase the risk of spreading the virus. He urged individuals exhibiting symptoms to avoid motorcycles and seek emergency help from the ministry immediately.
"People have asked us whether it's possible to contract the virus from using a taxi motor helmet that has been worn by someone else. If a person is showing symptoms, especially high fever, painful headache, or muscle aches, they should not be getting on a moto or wearing a shared helmet. Doing so could increase the risk of spreading the virus.
"What you should do instead is call the emergency helpline so that we can assist you and prevent the virus from becoming life-threatening," Dr. Nsanzimana advised.
He called for increased hygiene in the sector, including the cleaning of helmets before use as a precautionary measure.
"As for the helmet itself, there is no immediate concern. However, as a precaution, anyone using a shared helmet should clean it before use," the minister added.
Dr. Nsanzimana noted that hygiene practices had proved successful in containing previous outbreaks, such as COVID-19.
"During COVID-19, we adopted practices of maintaining hygieneâ€"not just with the helmets but also in public spaces like seating areas, toilets, and other high-contact surfaces. We must continue to be vigilant, especially in places where someone with the virus might have been, to avoid contracting it through direct contact," he added.
He argued that imposing stricter measures, including suspending the use of the popular means of transport, was not "necessarily the solution."
"Stopping the use of taxi motors isn't necessarily the solution; instead, we should encourage people to use them in a safe and hygienic manner," he added.
"The Rwandan government has made it a priority to fight every outbreak using all available resources to avoid harsher restrictions. Our goal is to manage the situation alongside normal activities without resorting to uncomfortable measures."
Meanwhile, the minister announced on Sunday that Rwanda had initiated vaccination trials for Marburg. The initial phase targets healthcare workers directly involved in treating patients, as well as individuals who have contracted the virus.
The Ministry of Health indicated that the country had received 700 vaccines on October 5, 2024, and various agencies had already assessed them, allowing individuals on the list of those at high risk of infection to start receiving these vaccines.
"The vaccines arrived [in Rwanda] last night, and they have been verified by the relevant authorities here in Rwanda and the National Immunization Program, who have assessed them and are preparing them so that today we can begin vaccinating those who are most at risk of this outbreak," Dr. Nsanzimana stated.
Rwanda has so far confirmed 46 cases, 12 deaths, and five recoveries from Marburg disease. Cumulative tests conducted have surpassed 1,700.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
