The advisory reads: “Rwanda, through the Ministry of Health is working with the World Health Organization to ensure preparedness of health professionals in screening and administering care to those with symptoms of the Coronavirus.”

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties and in advanced stages, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China but continues to spread to different other countries in the world. It has so far claimed the lives of more than a hundred people among 4000 who were infected since its outbreak.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) said that although the virus appears to spread at a high speed, there is no need to be alarmed given the fact that 85% of infected people can be cured. “Of 100 people who contract the virus, 85% can be cured and only 25% develop symptoms.”

The World Health Organization reported that currently, 4000 people from 10 countries especially in Asia have contracted the virus but are receiving medical care. Apart from China, the virus has spread to other countries including France, Japan, the United States, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea, and Ivory Coast.

The Coronavirus spreads through direct contact with the infected person, sneezing and coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the World Health Organization advises regular handwashing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. In addition, it is important to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

The World Health Organization reported that currently, 4000 people from 10 countries especially in Asia have contracted the virus but are receiving medical care.