The FIA is currently planning to maintain its annual gala, its awards ceremony, which is to be held on December 13 in Rwanda, while the country is currently in the grip of an outbreak of Marburg virus cases.
The gala is a traditional end-of-season event and brings together the champions of the different disciplines sanctioned by the FIA. The federation wants to take advantage of the event to also celebrate its 120th anniversary. It should be noted that the first three drivers in the F1 world championship are required to go there.
However, with the announced arrival of delegates and guests from around the world, the current Rwandan situation is not without raising questions. The country is in fact caught in an outbreak of cases of the Marburg virus, a very dangerous virus, a cousin of Ebola, which results in the outbreak of a viral hemorrhagic fever.
Last month, Rwanda’s health minister declared the first confirmed case of Marburg virus disease (MVD). As of October 8, 58 cases have now been confirmed with 13 deaths, for what constitutes one of the largest epidemics of this virus since it was identified. The Rwandan government is working with the WHO to organize the response to this health emergency.
A WHO press release, last updated on September 30, specifies: “WHO assesses the risk of this outbreak as very high nationally, high regionally and low globally. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the outbreak and this risk assessment will be updated at as new information is received.”
While measures are being put in place in Rwanda to limit the spread of the disease, the WHO adds: “Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any restrictions on travel and trade with Rwanda.” Rwanda’s main tourist attractions are operating normally.
The FIA is now in contact with government agencies to monitor developments, but says the gala plan is not affected at this time. A spokesperson said: “We are monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry of Health. For now, we are proceeding as planned.”
The mortality rate of MVM can rise to 88%, since no treatment currently exists. However, a trial vaccine is currently being used to try to contain the epidemic. Infection generally begins with transmission from bats to humans, before spreading to the human population through direct contact with infected people or bodily fluids (blood, secretions, organs, other fluids) of infected people, living or dead, but contaminated surfaces (sheets, clothing, etc.).
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