Brazil recently confirmed its first death from the Oropouche virus, further raising fears about the current outbreak, according to The Conversation.
Oropouche virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected flies or mosquitoes.
It is the most common viral disease in South America after Dengue fever, which is transmitted by insects.
The virus was first discovered in 1955. To an infected forestry worker in the Oropouche River region of Tobago Island.
The first major outbreak occurred in the 1960s. Belem, Brazil, where 11,000 cases of the disease have been reported.
Since then, outbreaks of the Oropouche virus have recurred.
It is estimated that more than half a million people have been infected with the Oropouche virus since its discovery.
Outbreaks have mostly occurred in tropical regions of South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Oropouche virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bites of infected flies or mosquitoes, usually insects that live in wooded areas and near water bodies.
Symptoms of Oropouche virus disease are very similar to the flu, with sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness, chills, muscle aches and sensitivity to light.
These symptoms usually last 2-5 days after being bitten by an infected insect.
Most people recover without long-term effects, but symptoms may return.
Unfortunately, there are no specific antiviral medications to treat Oropushea, but patients may be prescribed pain relievers and rehydration therapy to relieve symptoms.
Although Oropushea virus is not usually fatal, it can cause serious complications such as encephalitis and meningitis.
Between January and mid-July of this year, the number of Oropuchea virus infections in America increased dramatically, with more than 8,000 cases reported.
More than 7,000 of them are registered in Brazil.
This is a big jump from the 832 cases reported last year.
Worrying is not only the increased number of cases, but also the fact that for the first time this virus has become the direct cause of two deaths.
It is also worrying that cases are being reported in areas where Oropouche virus has not been detected before.
It is not yet clear why the number of Oropouche virus cases is so high this year.
Climate change may be contributing to this, as rising temperatures speed up insect reproduction.
Flooding causes an increase in standing water, which is also an ideal breeding ground for insects.
Other factors contributing to the spread of Oropouche virus include deforestation (which displaces mosquitoes and forces them to feed on humans instead of animals) and increased human movement on the continent between forests and cities.
Mutations can also affect a virus’ ability to infect, cause disease, spread and evade the immune system. Preliminary data suggest that mutations and genetic changes in the viral genome may be the cause of the current outbreak.
Despite the enormous public health threat posed by Oropouche virus, there are currently no licensed vaccines to prevent the disease.
Therefore, the best way to protect yourself from Oropouche virus disease is to avoid insect bites in areas where the virus is common, especially in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The best way to prevent insect bites is to use insecticides.
Look out for products containing picaridin and diethyltoluamide (DEET). Also, wear long clothes that cover your arms and legs.
The prevalence of Oropouche virus in the UK and Europe is thought to be very low, despite isolated cases.
This is because the virus is transmitted to humans by insects and so far no human-to-human transmission of the virus has been recorded.
2024-08-24 14:11:28