SOS Médias Burundi

Burunga, July 5, 2025 – A mysterious disease has killed two people in Makamba district, now part of Burunga province, in southern Burundi. Health authorities are trying to identify the origin of the disease as panic spreads among residents of the villages bordering Tanzania.

An unknown disease is worrying residents of several localities in Makamba district, in Burunga province, southern Burundi. Two people have died in the villages of Murambi, Nyakazi, and Bukeye, located along the border with Tanzania.

According to initial information gathered from local health and administration authorities, the disease may have been imported from the neighboring country. « We are afraid. » « We’re told it’s coming from Tanzania, but we don’t know exactly what it is, » said a visibly concerned resident of Bukeye.

Severe symptoms and widespread fear

Patients present with severe symptoms : sudden fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, and difficulty breathing. These unusual signs quickly spread panic in the region.

« The population is tense because we don’t know the true nature of this disease, » said a local source.

Health authorities respond

Faced with the situation, the Burundian Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS dispatched a team of doctors specializing in contagious diseases to the field on Friday, July 4. Their mission : to collect biological samples to identify the exact origin of the disease.

« We will determine whether it is a viral, bacterial, parasitic infection, or environmental contamination, » explained a local health worker.

Emergency measures

Makamba health authorities have issued strict guidelines to try to contain the spread :

Avoid physical greetings;

Wash hands regularly with clean water and soap;

Avoid close contact with sick people;

Immediately report any suspected cases to the health services.

« We call on the population to exercise discipline and solidarity during this sensitive period. Caution is vital to limit the spread, » reiterated a Makamba health district official.

Strengthened border controls

Border crossings between Burundi and Tanzania are now under increased surveillance. Authorities ask the population to seek information only through official channels and not to give in to rumors.

The Ministry of Public Health promises to quickly publish the results of ongoing tests to inform the public about the nature of this worrying disease.