April 2026- Health authorities in Burundi, supported by World Health Organization and partners, are intensifying investigations into a mysterious illness that has killed five people and affected 35 others in Mpanda district in the north of the country.
Initial laboratory tests have ruled out major infectious diseases including Ebola, Marburg, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. The outbreak alert was first raised on 31 March 2026, with most cases reported among members of the same household and their close contacts.
Patients have shown symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in urine, fatigue and abdominal pain, while severe cases have included jaundice and anemia.
Also read:
Burundi’s Health Minister, Lydwine Badarahana, stated that although early findings are reassuring, investigations are continuing to identify the cause, with measures in place to protect public health and prevent further spread.
A joint team from the national public health emergency operations centre and reference laboratory has been deployed to the affected area. WHO is assisting with surveillance, clinical care, laboratory testing and infection control, and has facilitated sample transfer to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo for advanced analysis. The Ministry of Health is leading the response in coordination with partner organisations.
