2024-08-02 09:58:44
Oropouche fever is currently spreading in South and Central America. The first two cases have now been registered in Germany.
The first cases of Oropouche fever (OF) have been registered in Germany. Two people from Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, both of whom returned from Cuba, are affected, writes the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in its current “Epidemiological Bulletin”.
“These are the first known OF patients in Germany,” it continues. Both were infected in Cuba and developed fever, headaches, muscle, joint and limb pain during their stay abroad at the end of June and beginning of July. Tests in Germany confirmed typical antibodies against the Oropouche virus. The course of the disease was reportedly uncomplicated in both cases.
According to the RKI, outbreaks of Oropouche fever have been increasing in South and Central America since the end of 2022. Brazil has already registered more than 7,000 laboratory-confirmed cases this year – and at least two deaths related to the virus.
“In Europe, only travel-associated cases have been reported so far,” writes the RKI. “Italy and Spain have reported a small number of cases in recent weeks among travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil.”
The virus is transmitted primarily by special mosquitoes, which do not exist in Europe, it continues. Transmission has not yet been observed in Europe, and it is unclear whether the virus could even be transmitted by a European mosquito species. Based on current knowledge, further spread in Germany is very unlikely, the authority emphasizes.
“OF is associated with symptoms similar to dengue,” writes the RKI, pointing out that the disease usually has a mild course. “The most common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and in rare cases aseptic meningitis or meningoencephalitis can occur.” The virus may cause malformations in unborn children. Pregnant women should therefore avoid traveling to areas where there is a current outbreak.