The government of Rwanda, together with Rwanda development board (RDB) have decided to postpone the highly anticipated Kwita izina gorilla naming ceremony that was scheduled to take place on 18th November 2024 due to the outbreak of Marburg virus that has claimed lives of over 11 people and many more are hospitalised.
As a result, to prevent further spread and to risk the lies of the guests, the authority decided to alter the arrangement until further date when the situation is brought back under control. However, this does not mean that Rwanda is closed for any tourism activity. The country is open for all kind of tourism activities including gorilla trekking at volcanoes national park.
What is Kwita izina gorilla naming ceremony?
Kwita izina is a traditional ceremony in Rwanda where the newborns are named in presence of relatives and friend. It is from this tradition that the Rwanda authority decided to embrace the newborn gorillas with such a ceremony where every newborn is given a name in presence of people from within Rwanda and international celebrities. For instance, last year ceremony was attended by the famous American comedian Calvin Hart among other big celebrities and other reorganized people.
The ceremony has been taking place every year since 2015 with an aim of promoting Rwanda tourism but also to further conserve the endangered mountain gorillas through creating awareness. The result for the ceremony has been tremendously positive with the population of mountain gorillas increasing over the year and now the species is no longer listed as critically endangered but instead just endangered. However, more effort still needs to be done to ensure that these great apes can be protected even for the generations to come.
As a customary, this year event was scheduled to take place on on 18th November 2024 and last for the whole week . However, due to the outbreak of Marburg virus in the country, the cerebrations were altered, and the new dates will be communicated by the authority. However, if you were planning to visit Rwanda on those dates, no need to change your plan as Marburg is not an airborne disease. So, you won’t be affected by the virus unless you get into contact with fluids of an affected person.
What is the Marburg virus?
Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV) of the species Orthomarburgvirus marburgense are the causative agents of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a disease with a case fatality ratio of up to 88% but can be much lower with good and early patient care. The disease is primarily transmitted by bats. Once the human is affected, the human-to-human transmission is through an extended contact through broken skin
Signs and symptom of Marburg virus
The incubation period varies between two to twenty-one days
The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) varies from 2 to 21 days.
MVD begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Muscle aches and pains are a common feature. Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting can begin on the third day. Non-itchy rash have been reported in patients between 2 and 7 days after onset of symptoms.
From day 5 of the disease, patients may develop haemorrhagic manifestations, including fresh blood in vomitus and faeces, bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina. Bleeding at venepuncture sites (where intravenous access is obtained to give fluids or obtain blood samples) can also be observed. Involvement of the central nervous system can result in confusion, irritability, and aggression. Orchitis (inflammation of one or both testicles) has been reported occasionally in the late phase of disease.
In fatal cases, death occurs most often between 8 and 9 days after symptom onset, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock. (REF: WHO)
Should I be worried of Marburg on my Rwanda safari?
Taking precaution for such a deadly trip is a must. however, Marburg is not such infectious disease, so just keeping a distance and not getting in too much contact with the stranger will ensure your safety.
Rwanda has some group activity like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking and hiking. However, the number of people you trek with is limited so you won’t be highly congested. You can opt for the exclusive services like exclusive gorilla trekking that allow you to trek gorillas with only your close relatives. You can also go for exclusive chimpanzee trekking and exclusive golden monkey trekking.
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