The East AfricanScience & Health Burundi declares cholera outbreak in Bujumbura

Burundi has declared a cholera outbreak in the commercial capital Bujumbura, the Health minister Sylvie Nzeyimana announced Sunday evening, noting that at least nine cases had been recorded.

“On the samples taken and sent to the INSP (National Public Health Institute) Laboratory for analysis, the results released on 31/12/2022 confirmed the presence of the ‘Vibrio cholerae’,” she said in a statement.

The cases have been reported in the northern part of Bujumbura, mainly Bukirasazi and Mutakura as well as Buyenzi, close to the city centre.

The outbreak follows heavy downpours in Bujumbura, resulting in overflows of toilets.

The government also blames poor hygiene, adding that it has taken preventive measures.

“Some emergency arrangements have already been made by the Ministry of Public Health, including disinfection of affected households, public awareness of the risks of spread of the epidemic and the behaviours to adopt,” said Dr Nzeyimana.