Rwanda announced on Saturday its first case of the new coronavirus, Covid-19.
In a statement, the health ministry said the patient is an Indian citizen who arrived in the country from Mumbai on March 8.
“An Indian citizen who arrived from Mumbai, India on March 8, 2020 has tested positive for Coronavirus (Covid-19). The patient had no symptoms upon arrival in Rwanda and reported himself to a health facility on March 13 where he was immediately tested,” the ministry said.
Statement by Ministry of Health
14 March 2020Rwanda confirms first case of COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/OARD9vMpnX
— Ministry of Health | Rwanda (@RwandaHealth) March 14, 2020
The ministry said that the patient is stable adding that primary contacts have been traced.
The detection makes Rwanda the second country in the East African Community, after Kenya, to confirm the presence of the virus.
The ministry urged all residents of Rwanda to continue observing all instructions from health authorities, wash hands regularly, avoid large gatherings, and report any symptoms by calling toll-free number 114.
