The Ministry of Health has announced heightened surveillance and border screening measures following the confirmation of an Ebola outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued on 17 May 2026, the ministry said it is closely monitoring the Ebola situation in eastern DRC after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Health authorities emphasized that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Rwanda, but precautionary measures have already been reinforced at all major entry points along the border with the DRC.
“Health teams are on alert, and surveillance systems have been strengthened to ensure early detection and rapid response if needed,” the statement said.
The move comes after authorities in North Kivu Province confirmed the first Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in Goma involving the Bundibugyo strain. The patient, reportedly from Bunia in Ituri Province, has been isolated and is receiving treatment under established health protocols.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health said it is working closely with national, regional, and international partners to protect public health and prevent cross-border transmission of the virus.
Officials urged the public to remain vigilant while avoiding panic, noting that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects and is not airborne.
The ministry also encouraged residents to follow hygiene measures, including regular handwashing and immediate reporting of suspected symptoms to health authorities.
