Kitum Caves, located in Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya, is considered one of the world’s deadliest caves due to its association with deadly viruses, including Ebola and Marburg. Scientists are concerned that it could be the source of the next pandemic, particularly with the World Health Organization (WHO) flagging Marburg as “epidemic-prone.”
Origins of Deadly Viruses
Kitum Caves have been identified as the origin of viruses such as Ebola and Marburg. The cave’s environment, rich in mineral deposits and frequented by various animals, including disease-carrying bats, is believed to facilitate the breeding of zoonotic infections.
Incidents of Infection
In the 1980s, a French engineer investigating the cave contracted the Marburg virus and suffered severe symptoms, leading to his death. Subsequently, a young Danish boy also succumbed to the virus during a family vacation near the cave.
Research Efforts
The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) conducted expeditions into Kitum Cave to study the viruses present. Despite efforts, identifying the virus within the cave proved challenging.
Discovery in Fruit Bats
Marburg RNA was later discovered in Fruit Bats, common in Central Africa. These bats were found in caves across the continent, indicating the potential for viral spread. Marburg virus transmission occurs through contact with infected body fluids and personal belongings.
Concerns and Mortality Rate
The Marburg virus is considered highly deadly, with reports suggesting up to 88% mortality rate among infected individuals.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where are Kitum Caves located?
- A) Mount Everest
- B) Mount Kilimanjaro
- C) Mount Elgon
- D) Mount Kenya
- Answer: C) Mount Elgon
- What deadly viruses are believed to have originated from Kitum Caves?
- A) Zika and Dengue
- B) Ebola and Marburg
- C) SARS and MERS
- D) H1N1 and H5N1
- Answer: B) Ebola and Marburg
- Who conducted expeditions into Kitum Cave to study the viruses present?
- A) World Health Organization (WHO)
- B) United Nations
- C) United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID)
- D) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Answer: C) United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID)
- How is the Marburg virus primarily transmitted from one person to another?
- A) Airborne transmission
- B) Vector-borne transmission
- C) Contact with infected body fluids
- D) Foodborne transmission
- Answer: C) Contact with infected body fluids
- What is the approximate mortality rate associated with the Marburg virus?
- A) 25%
- B) 50%
- C) 75%
- D) 88%
- Answer: D) 88%