Investigation as mysterious illness kills five people abroad
35 people have fallen ill, mostly in the same households or after having close contact with others
The World Health Organisation and local health authorities are trying to identify a mystery illness that has caused at least five deaths and seen 35 people fall ill in the past few weeks. It’s currently unclear whether it is an entirely new condition or a mutated strain of a known disease.
The mystery illness was first reported in the Mpanda district of Burundi. No cases have been detected outside the east African nation as of yet and although the disease shares some similar symptoms with Ebola, initial lab analysis has ruled out this infection.
Symptoms of the mystery illness include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in urine
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
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Some severe cases have also developed jaundice and anaemia. The spread of the illness has been limited to members of the same households and those who have been in close contact with those who are sick.
Initial testing has shown that the disease is likely not related to Ebola and Marburg virus diseases, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. Some of these have sparked outbreaks in the area before.
Dr Lydwine Badarahana, Burundi’s Minister of Health, said: “While it’s reassuring that preliminary analysis is negative for these serious infections, further investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the disease.
“All the necessary measures are being taken to safeguard public health and prevent potential spread of infection.”
The investigation is also being supported by the WHO to strengthen disease surveillance, field investigation, clinical care, laboratory diagnosis and infection prevention and control, while also providing logistical support to sustain key operations.
WHO’s official statement added: “The Organization has also facilitated the shipment of samples to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo for further analysis.”
This isn't the first outbreak of a 'mystery' illness in the area. In 2023, at least three people died in Burundi from a disease that mimicked the symptoms of Ebola and Marburg viruses.
Symptoms of this mystery condition included nose bloods, abdominal pain, high fever, headache, dizziness and vomiting. It also had the ability to kill within 24 hours of the infection starting.
The UK Foreign Office advises against travel to certain parts of Burundi already. Specifically, it warns against all travel to Bujumbura and Butanyerera Provinces due to the risk of rebel group presences and armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Before travelling to Burundi, the FCDO urges Brits to be aware of the health risks they may face in the area which can include zika, malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and mpox. The country also faces resurgences of cholera.
