LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has begun a detailed investigation into an unknown illness affecting communities in Burundi.
Health teams have been sent to remote mountainous regions to study the outbreak and identify its cause, while early tests rule out deadly viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Speaking during a weekly health briefing, Africa CDC’s Director for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Tolbert Nyenswah, said early laboratory results have ruled out major viral haemorrhagic fevers, which include some of the most dangerous infectious diseases.
To better understand the situation, Africa CDC deployed a team of specialists, including disease surveillance officers, laboratory scientists, and public health experts.
These teams are working closely with local authorities and international partners to investigate cases on the ground and collect samples for further testing.
Although early symptoms raised fears of serious viral infections, Nyenswah explained that confirmatory tests from national and regional laboratories did not detect the suspected viruses.
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Investigations are still ongoing as additional tests are being carried out across Africa CDC’s network of laboratories to ensure no emerging or rare pathogen is overlooked.
He noted that the response reflects the agency’s focus on early detection and rapid containment of outbreaks, especially in hard-to-reach communities. Strengthening local healthcare systems remains a key part of this effort.
Furthermore, Nyenswah stressed the need for strong regional cooperation in handling public health threats.
He said collaboration between countries and shared laboratory systems are vital in managing outbreaks that could spread across borders.
Africa CDC is also working to improve disease monitoring systems and support countries in building stronger emergency response capacities, particularly in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited.
More updates are expected as investigations continue in partnership with Burundi’s health authorities, with efforts focused on identifying the illness quickly and protecting affected communities.
(NAN)
