2024-08-06 09:51:49
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert calling for strict vigilance and clinical investigation of Oropouche fever, a viral disease, initially small, but now in the spotlight as the first deaths were recorded and spreading the disease to new areas.
A woman uses mosquito repellent. EFE/Fernando Bizerra Jr.
Until the end of July, in 2024, more than eight thousand confirmed cases of Oropouche have been reported in the United States, with at least two deaths reported on July 25 in Brazil.
It is in this country where we have seen the most cases, more than 7,000, but others have also been confirmed in Colombia, Cuba and Peru.
Although Oropouche fever has historically been described as mild, the expansion of transmission and the presence of serious cases led international health authorities to see the need for greater epidemiological surveillance.
Therefore, PAHO recommends that the countries of the American region strengthen laboratory research to identify fatal and difficult cases and possible cases of vertical transmission, from mother to child.
Brazil has confirmed the first death due to the Oropouche virus in a fetus, in this case 30 weeks, who received the virus through the mother, and is investigating other similar cases.
PAHO urges to expand prevention campaigns and strengthen entomological surveillance and vector control practices to reduce the population of transmitted insects and educate the population in preventive measures, as with other diseases such as dengue.
How is the Oropouche virus spread?
Oropouche (OROV) is an arbovirus belonging to the Peribunyaviridae family. It was first found in 1955 near the Oropouche River in Trinidad, hence its name. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of an insect commonly known as the midge (Culicoides paraensis) and the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus.
The symptoms
The symptoms of this disease are:
- Sudden fever.
- a burning headache.
- Joint pain.
- Rash (inflammation or irritation of the skin).
- Two generations.
- Photophobia.
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
How is Oropouche diagnosed?
The Oropouche is confirmed by laboratory tests. There is currently no speed test.
Treatment, only symptomatic
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for Oropouche virus. In addition to rest and hydration, treatment of symptoms may include medications to reduce fever and pain.
How to prevent Oropoueche fever
PAHO recommends that residents take preventive measures such as:
- Use of destroyer containing DEET, IR3535 or iodine. Since midges are much smaller than mosquitoes, traditional mosquito nets will not protect against their bites, so the use of repellents is recommended.
- But also against the movement of mosquitoes it is useful to install a good mosquito net in beds, doors and windows.
- The clothes that covers the legs and arms.
- In general, take extra precautions during outbreaksespecially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children and the elderly.
Is a rebuild possible?
Four genotypes of Oropouche have been identified. Infection with any genotype should generate antibodies to protect against future reinfection, the reports OPS.
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