Warden Message

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens residing in Rwanda to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu.  The Rwandan Ministry of Health confirmed 14 cases on October 12, 2009 after initially confirming the first 4 cases in Rwanda on October 9, 2009.  Rwandan authorities have activated their response group, are closely monitoring the situation, and are preparing for emergencies.

Although we do not anticipate such measures in Rwanda, if you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Embassy at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation.  However, please be aware that the Embassy cannot facilitate your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.

The Embassy is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and we cannot provide specific medical advice due to legal restrictions.  Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  A list of local hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html.  Toll-free hotlines are also available within Rwanda by calling 3334 and 3335.

For more information on how to prepare for a severe pandemic, please see the State Department "Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet" and "Options During a Pandemic" flyer located on www.travel.state.gov.  Detailed information about 2009-H1N1 influenza can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government's federal
influenza website at http://www.flu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Rwanda are encouraged to register with the
Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ to obtain updated travel and security information.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy.  Registration is important; it allows the Embassy and the State Department to assist you in an emergency.

The Embassy is located at 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie; the mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda; tel. [250] (252) 596-400; fax: [250] (252) 596-591.  The Embassy’s website is http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/.  The consular section’s email address is consularkigali@state.gov.  American Citizens Services hours are Tuesdays from 09:00 to 17:00 and Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00, except for U.S. and Rwandan holidays.  For after-hours emergencies, please call
[250] (078)830-0345.
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