Burundi steps up Ebola surveillance after DR Congo outbreak

Burundi has announced a series of preventive measures following the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing concerns over cross-border movement and the risk of regional transmission.

In a statement issued Saturday, Burundi's Public Health Minister Fidele Nkezabahizi said the country faces a high risk of exposure because the affected areas in the DR Congo are located less than 400 kilometres away and are linked to Burundi through regular air and road travel routes, including the Bujumbura-Goma corridor.

"The situation is particularly concerning for the region because affected zones are located at less than 400 km, with regular flows of mobility between both countries," Nkezabahizi said.

He noted that Burundi's previous experiences with regional outbreaks, combined with continued population movement across borders, have heightened the need for stronger preparedness measures.

The government said it is intensifying health surveillance at border entry points through enhanced screening procedures, temperature checks and the deployment of temporary health monitoring structures.

Authorities are also training health workers and distributing rapid detection kits to improve response capabilities in the event of suspected cases.

Burundi said it is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, laboratory capacity and emergency preparedness in border communities.

The minister added that communication and coordination with Congolese health authorities and neighboring countries would be reinforced as part of efforts to contain any potential spread of the virus.

Health officials have urged the public to follow hygiene measures, avoid consuming meat from animals found dead under unknown circumstances and seek medical attention immediately for symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, vomiting, muscle pain and hemorrhagic diarrhoea.

The measures follow the confirmation of Ebola cases in the DR Congo.