The world’s deadliest cave Kitum, located in Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya, could cause the next pandemic. Read on to know more.
The Kitum cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, is known as the world’s deadliest cave. According to the experts, this cave is a house to some of the most deadliest and dangerous viruses, like Ebola and Marburg. In a recent study, experts have cautioned that this cave will be the origin of the next pandemic! The revelation has left healthcare experts worried that the Marburg virus might cause the next big outbreak, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued a warning, stating that the Marburg virus is ‘epidemic-prone’. “The 600-foot-deep cave has been continuously dug and expanded by elephants, only to have disease-carrying bats make it their home,” the experts were quoted as saying.
What is Marburg Virus Infection?
Marburg is an illness marked by bleeding and disruption of bodily functions. It can be deadly, with up to 88 per cent of people dying from it. Speaking to TheHealthSite.com, an expert stated that, “Marburg virus infection is a grave disease with a high mortality rate that falls under the same family as Ebola virus. Though rare, it’s a lethal infection that passes on to humans from fruit bats and propagates through human interactions. Any outbreaks of this illness usually result in high death rates, posing a significant worry for health professionals and society at large globally”.
Marburg is a dangerous and lethal virus that is known to be a “highly virulent disease which can trigger hemorrhagic fever.” The virus after entering the human body usually lowers the natural functional capacity and affects the cardiovascular system. With a mortality rate of up to 88 per cent, the virus is related to the virus that causes Ebola. Just like coronavirus, this infection can also get transmitted to other people by touching towels or other objects that have come into contact with an infected individual.
Symptoms of Marburg Virus Infection
The virus takes at least three weeks to “incubate” before a patient starts showing symptoms. “The virus typically remains dormant for at least three weeks before symptoms appear in patients. However, the early signs often mimic those of malaria and Ebola,” experts quoted as saying.
Some of the most common warning symptoms of Marburg virus infection include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle pains, and
- Exhaustion
- Several people infected with the virus develop deep-set eyes and expressionless faces.
- It can also cause bleeding from the vagina, eyes, nose, and gums, in later stages.
As the disease advances, victims may witness severe bleeding from various body parts and organ failure. However, diagnosing this infection is tricky due to its vague symptoms which often result in its late identification and treatment.
Are There Any Vaccines Available? Unfortunately, no vaccines are available for the virus and doctors treat symptoms by medications and fluids.
History Of Marburg Virus
Our Experience With the COVID-19 Pandemic
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