Africa CDC investigates mysterious illness in Burundi
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is looking into an outbreak of an unknown disease in Burundi. Experts have been sent to affected communities to help identify the cause. Dr Tolbert Nyenswah, the Director for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response at Africa CDC, shared updates during a weekly press briefing. So far, major viral haemorrhagic fevers have been ruled out, but investigations are ongoing.
What we know
- Africa CDC has deployed multidisciplinary teams, including surveillance experts and laboratory scientists, to remote mountainous areas in Burundi.
- Preliminary tests have ruled out major viral haemorrhagic fevers, with negative results for suspected pathogens.
- The field team is working with international partners and national health authorities to collect samples and conduct on-site investigations.
- Additional testing is being carried out across Africa CDC’s network of reference laboratories to ensure no emerging or uncommon pathogens are missed.
- Dr Tolbert Nyenswah emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration and ongoing support for member states to improve outbreak preparedness and response.
