KIGALI, June 17 (Xinhua) -- One month since the latest Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda remains vigilant to prevent the spread of the disease into the country, health authorities said Tuesday.
In a statement, the Rwandan Ministry of Health said public health authorities continue to closely monitor the situation while maintaining the country's preparedness measures.
The ministry noted that there are currently no cases in Rwanda and no active cases in areas bordering Rwanda.
"While the risk of transmission to Rwanda is low, we remain vigilant and continue strengthening surveillance and preparedness for early detection and rapid response," it said.
In May, Rwanda announced mandatory quarantine measures for residents arriving from the DRC and barred entry to foreign travelers who had recently visited or transited through the neighboring country, as authorities stepped up efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease.
The quarantine requirement applies to Rwandan nationals and foreign residents with valid proof of residency in Rwanda who have traveled to or transited through the DRC within the past 30 days, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health.
The ministry added that foreign nationals who have traveled to or transited through the DRC within 30 days before their planned travel to Rwanda will be denied entry.
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC has risen to 837, including 196 deaths, according to the latest figures released by the DRC health ministry. ■
