The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has warned of increasing flu cases during the ongoing rainy season and urged the public to take precautions to protect themselves and others. In a message shared on his X handle, the minister said that flu infections tend to increase with weather changes, particularly during the rainy season. “Flu becomes more severe when the influenza virus mixes with bacteria, especially in children under five years. Be careful and protect others from flu,” he said. ALSO READ: Expect heavy rains, strong winds in mid-November — weather office He emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical help for ill children and advised parents to keep them at home until they fully recover to avoid spreading the infection. According to the Ministry of Health, common symptoms of rainy-season flu include high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing. The ministry outlined key actions for individuals experiencing flu symptoms, including covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with others, washing hands frequently with clean water and soap, wearing masks to reduce transmission, and keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated by opening windows for fresh air. For prevention, the public is encouraged to regularly wash hands, avoid close contact with people showing symptoms, and frequently clean commonly touched surfaces. The ministry’s caution comes after Rwanda Meteorology Agency issued a forecast indicating that rainfall amounts ranging between 30 and 150 millimetres are expected across the country from November 11 to 20. This is above the long-term average of 25 to 90 millimetres typically recorded during this period.
