WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 13: 24 - 30 March 2025
Data as reported by: 17:00; 30 March 2025
...
Burundi
Mpox
3 720 Cases
1 Deaths
0.03% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Burundi continues to grapple with an active outbreak of
mpox, since the confirmation of the first mpox case on
25 July 2024. In epidemiological week 13 (week ending
30 March 2025), 22 new cases were confirmed across
the country. This marks a 56% decrease in new cases
compared to the previous week when 50 confirmed
cases were reported.
From 25 July 2024 to 29 March 2025, a total of 3 720
cases with one death (CFR 0.03%) have been reported
from 46 districts across the country. Most cases were
reported from Bujumbura Nord (n=1422), Gitega
(n=511), Bujumbura Centre (n=425), Bujumbura Sud
(n=299), and Isare (n=282) districts, which together
accounts for 79.0% of the cumulative cases reported
from the country. In the last three week, the outbreak
remains active in 11 districts.
Males are more affected, accounting for 52.2% of the
cumulative cases reported. Age group 20 to 30 years old
are the most affected, accounting for 30.6% (n=1140) of
the cumulative cases, followed by those less than five
years old who accounts for 20.1% (n=747) of the cases.
Of genomic sequences that were analysed, clade Ib was
identified, indicating linkage to outbreak in the DRC.
Mpox cases showed a gradual rise from late July 2024,
followed by a sharp increase in September 2024. The
outbreak peaked in epidemiological week 43 of 2024
(week ending 27 October 2024) when 222 cases were
reported and remained high for a few weeks. From
late November 2024, cases began to decline steadily.
The decline continued between January and March
2025, with some fluctuations, including small spikes in
mid-January and late February, suggesting that while
the outbreak is slowing, localized transmission or new
introductions may still be occurring.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The Ministry of Health of Burundi continues to lead the
mpox response, coordinating efforts at both national
and district levels. Daily situation reports are being
disseminated, and response activities are being
decentralized to improve outbreak management.
Resource mobilization efforts are ongoing in collaboration
with government and development partners to sustain
response operations.
Surveillance teams are actively engaged in case
investigation, contact tracing, and alert verification
across affected districts. Active case search is ongoing
in affected districts, with intensified efforts to detect
and respond to new infections. Data harmonization and
analysis are being conducted to strengthen surveillance
and guide decision-making.
Case management remains a priority, with 114 active
cases currently receiving treatment in designated
health facilities. Nutritional support is being provided to
hospitalized patients, and isolation measures are in place
to prevent further transmission.
Laboratory capacity is being strengthened through the decentralization of diagnostic services to selected hospitals. Sample
collection and testing are ongoing to confirm new cases and monitor viral circulation.
Infection prevention and control measures are being implemented, including decontamination of affected households and
treatment centres. Water supply interventions are ongoing in parts of Bujumbura to ensure adequate hygiene conditions in
affected areas.
Risk communication and community engagement activities are being implemented to enhance public awareness and promote
preventive measures. Radio and video messages are being broadcasted, while interactive theatre sessions and community
dialogues in Gitega, Bujumbura Nord, and Kayanza are being conducted to address concerns, gather feedback, and counter
misinformation.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The ongoing mpox outbreak in Burundi remains a public health concern, with sustained community transmission in
densely populated urban centres like Bujumbura Nord. While recent declines in new cases are encouraging, gaps in
medical supplies, financial resources, and water availability threaten response effectiveness. The presence of Clade
Ib, linked to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, underscores the risk of cross-border transmission
and sustained local circulation. Although active surveillance, case management, and risk communication efforts are
in place, logistical constraints and limited resources hinder outbreak control. Strengthening surveillance and risk
communication and community engagement capacities, and ensuring sustained funding for response activities are
critical to breaking transmission and controlling the outbreak.
https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/disease-outbreaks/outbreaks-and-other-emergencies-updates