Apart from treasures, this is what makes Kitum Cave a deadly place

CAPE TOWN – Gua Kitum in Kenya became famous because of the tragedy of the death of two visitors due to the Marburg virus in 2022. This incident shocked the world and brought great attention to the cave.

Located in Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya, Kitum Cave has a history that is both moving and terrifying.

The cave walls are covered in marks and scratches – but although they look like the work of miners searching for gold or diamonds, they are actually scratches left by animals due to the salt content on the cave walls.

Due to the salt found on the cave walls, Kitum is believed to have attracted various animals, including antelopes and elephants who wanted to use the cave as a place for giant salt licks.

It is the elephants that walk through the cave that leave marks on the walls and help make the passageway – but in doing so, they also reveal the dark side of the cave more and more.

In the 1980s, Kitum Cave became famous after two visitors died due to contracting a deadly virus called Marburg.

According to the World Health Organization, the virus is ‘a highly lethal disease that causes dengue fever’ – a condition that damages the cardiovascular system and reduces the body’s ability to function.

According to WHO, this virus has a mortality ratio of up to 88 percent and is part of the same family as the virus that causes Ebola.

When a person is infected with this virus, it can spread through humans through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials.