The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced the postponement of the iconic Kwita Izina 2024 gorilla naming ceremony due to public health concerns surrounding the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak.
A new date for the event will be communicated once the situation improves.
The decision comes after the recent confirmation of 58 Marburg virus cases in Rwanda, as of October 8, 2024. The outbreak has resulted in 13 deaths and 12 recoveries, with 33 individuals still in isolation receiving treatment.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has ramped up testing, conducting 2,655 tests in total, with 268 tests recently carried out.
Kwita Izina attracts thousands of people from across the globe, making it a potential risk for spreading the virus, especially while the country is working hard to control its spread.
In response to the outbreak, Rwanda has secured 700 doses of the Marburg vaccine from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, and vaccination for frontline responders began on October 7.
The Marburg virus, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever, has symptoms that include high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Health authorities continue to advise the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, practice enhanced hygiene, and avoid handshakes or close greetings.
Authorities have set up a hotline (114) for the public to report symptoms or seek advice related to MVD.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through official health channels, including www.rbc.gov.rw and www.moh.gov.rw.
The postponement of Kwita Izina reflects the government’s commitment to protecting public health while maintaining Rwanda’s focus on conservation and tourism. The event, which celebrates the naming of baby mountain gorillas, will resume once safety can be ensured.
