Seasonal flu in Burundi : the ministry reassures the public amid coronavirus fears

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, January 28, 2026 — While a virulent flu outbreak is affecting several regions of the country, raising fears of a resurgence of the coronavirus, the Burundian Ministry of Health assures the public that no cases of COVID-19 have been detected. Health authorities are urging the population to remain calm, vigilant, and strictly adhere to hygiene measures.

The Burundian Ministry of Public Health sought to reassure the public in light of the recent surge in flu cases observed across the country. During a press conference held on Tuesday, the Minister of Health, Dr. Lydwine Baradahana, dismissed any possibility of a link with the coronavirus, stating that the current health situation is solely due to seasonal flu.

According to the minister, analyses conducted by health laboratories, including the National Reference Laboratory of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), have not revealed any cases of coronavirus.

“Tests carried out to date have confirmed that the causative agent of the current epidemic is the seasonal flu virus. No cases of coronavirus have been detected,” stated Dr. Lydwine Baradahana.

Schools among the hardest hit

In its statement, the ministry emphasizes that the identified cases are primarily concentrated in schools, both boarding and day schools. This situation has led to a significant increase in absenteeism among pupils and teaching staff in several institutions.

Health authorities recommend that individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, or headaches seek prompt medical attention at approved healthcare facilities, while avoiding self-medication.

Strengthening prevention measures

Faced with this spread, the Ministry is urging the public to strictly adhere to hygiene measures to limit the transmission of the virus. These measures include regular handwashing, avoiding close contact, refraining from coughing or sneezing in the direction of others, and abandoning handshakes, which are now prohibited.

Administrative authorities are responsible for ensuring the availability and proper functioning of handwashing facilities in public places such as bars, restaurants, markets, shops, and places of worship. Warnings, and even sanctions, have been announced for those responsible for failing to comply with these instructions.

In Bujumbura, a virulent flu and hospitals under pressure

Despite official assurances, the situation remains concerning in Bujumbura, where a particularly virulent flu has been affecting many families for several weeks. Patients report persistent headaches, a severe cough, high fever, and extreme fatigue.

At the Kamenge military hospital in the north of the city, services, particularly the pediatric emergency room, have been under considerable strain in recent days. Many children are being admitted with similar symptoms, a situation also observed in adults.

Drug shortages and the rise of self-medication

Another concern raised by patients is the shortage of medications. Several patients report not finding the treatments prescribed by doctors in pharmacies. Faced with the intensity of their pain, some turn directly to pharmacists to request products supposedly designed to quickly relieve symptoms.

This situation fosters a practice considered dangerous by healthcare professionals : self-medication, which exposes patients to the risk of complications.

An illness resembling Covid-19

In several neighborhoods of the commercial capital, the observed symptoms remind some residents of those of Covid-19. Fever, cough, body aches, and rapid spread are fueling fears of a resurgence of the coronavirus.

“My whole family fell ill at the same time,” testifies a resident of Bujumbura. Thinking it’s malaria, many patients go to health centers, but the test results often come back negative.

The ministry calls for calm and vigilance

Speaking on Burundi’s national radio and television, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Polycarpe Ndayikeza, confirmed an increase in cases of flu and coughs in several regions of the country. He urged the population to seek medical care at approved health facilities, while warning against self-medication and the use of prayer rooms.

For the time being, no link with the coronavirus has been established, health authorities assure, reaffirming their commitment to protecting public health while calling for calm, vigilance, and adherence to medical guidelines.