KITUM CAVES

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Context: The Kitum Cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, receives recognition due to its relationship with deadly viruses such as Marburg and Ebola, which originate from fruit bats that inhabit the cave.

Key Highlights

• Scientists have identified the presence of Marburg and Ebola viruses, both originating from the Kitum Cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya.
• There are concerns that the Marburg virus, in particular, could cause a pandemic, as flagged by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its epidemic-prone nature.
• Kitum Cave is a non-solutional cave formed in pyroclastic (volcanic) rocks, not a lava tube as previously assumed.
• The cave's walls are rich in salt, attracting various animals, particularly elephants, seeking sodium-rich minerals.
• Researchers believe the cave's ecosystem, coupled with the activities of elephants that dig and expand the cave, creates a breeding ground for zoonotic infections.

Conclusion

• The presence of deadly viruses in Kitum Cave highlights the importance of ongoing research and surveillance efforts to monitor and mitigate the risk of potential outbreaks, highlighting the complex interplay between wildlife, human activities, and emerging infectious diseases.

Source:

News18

Wikipedia