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Burundi is investigating a disease that has caused five deaths.
April 11, 2026
Bujumbura— Burundi's health authorities, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, are conducting investigations to identify the cause of the disease that has caused five deaths and affected 35 people in the Mpanda district in the north of the country.
Laboratory tests were negative for Ebola and Marburg virus diseases, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. An alert for an undiagnosed illness was received on March 31, 2026, primarily affecting members of the same household and close contacts. Symptoms included fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Some severe cases also presented with jaundice and anemia.
“While these preliminary results are reassuring regarding the absence of these serious illnesses, investigations are actively continuing to identify the causative agent of this disease,” said Dr. Lydwine Badarahana, Burundi’s Minister of Health. “All necessary measures are being taken to protect public health and prevent any potential spread.”
A joint team of experts from the country's Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and the National Reference Laboratory has been deployed to the field to support the ongoing investigations.
The WHO is supporting the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen disease surveillance, field investigations, clinical management, laboratory diagnosis, and infection prevention and control. The Organization is providing logistical support to ensure the continuity of essential operations. The WHO has also facilitated the shipment of samples to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo for further analysis.
The Ministry of Health is leading the response, in collaboration with partner organizations, to ensure coordination of efforts.
https://www.afro.who.int/fr/countrie...-de-cinq-deces
Burundi is investigating a disease that has caused five deaths.
April 11, 2026
Bujumbura— Burundi's health authorities, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, are conducting investigations to identify the cause of the disease that has caused five deaths and affected 35 people in the Mpanda district in the north of the country.
Laboratory tests were negative for Ebola and Marburg virus diseases, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. An alert for an undiagnosed illness was received on March 31, 2026, primarily affecting members of the same household and close contacts. Symptoms included fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Some severe cases also presented with jaundice and anemia.
“While these preliminary results are reassuring regarding the absence of these serious illnesses, investigations are actively continuing to identify the causative agent of this disease,” said Dr. Lydwine Badarahana, Burundi’s Minister of Health. “All necessary measures are being taken to protect public health and prevent any potential spread.”
A joint team of experts from the country's Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and the National Reference Laboratory has been deployed to the field to support the ongoing investigations.
The WHO is supporting the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen disease surveillance, field investigations, clinical management, laboratory diagnosis, and infection prevention and control. The Organization is providing logistical support to ensure the continuity of essential operations. The WHO has also facilitated the shipment of samples to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo for further analysis.
The Ministry of Health is leading the response, in collaboration with partner organizations, to ensure coordination of efforts.
https://www.afro.who.int/fr/countrie...-de-cinq-deces
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