By Our Correspondent

National News – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has launched an urgent investigation into an unknown disease outbreak reported in remote mountainous communities in Burundi.

The outbreak, confirmed on Thursday during the agency’s weekly epidemiological briefing, has raised concerns across the region as health officials work to determine what is causing the mysterious illness and how it is spreading.

According to Africa CDC’s Director for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Dr Tolbert Nyenswah, multidisciplinary response teams made up of disease surveillance experts, laboratory scientists and public health specialists have been deployed to affected areas.

The teams are working directly with Burundi’s Ministry of Health and international partners to gather field data, assess patients, and collect biological samples for advanced testing.

The outbreak was first flagged after several residents reportedly developed symptoms that initially suggested possible viral haemorrhagic fevers.

However, preliminary laboratory tests have ruled out major deadly pathogens commonly associated with such outbreaks.

Nyenswah explained that further laboratory analysis is ongoing through Africa CDC’s regional reference laboratory network to identify any emerging or uncommon infectious agent that may be responsible.

He said the agency’s rapid response demonstrates its commitment to early disease detection, swift verification, and immediate containment efforts.

Health authorities are also strengthening surveillance systems in nearby communities to track possible new cases and prevent wider transmission.

Africa CDC stressed that cross-border collaboration remains essential in managing complex public health emergencies, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where healthcare access is limited.

The agency assured the public that more updates would be released as investigations progress.

Officials say understanding the cause, transmission pattern, and possible risk factors will guide the next phase of response efforts.

The development highlights Africa’s increasing focus on disease preparedness and regional cooperation to tackle emerging health threats before they escalate into broader public health crises.