Health experts are on high alert for a potentially deadly virus spread by insect bites, as cases have increased in the US and Europe.
Over 8,000 cases of the Oropouche virus sickness were documented between January and August 2024, with the majority occurring in South America, while fatalities remain uncommon.
Two fatalities, twenty travel-related cases, and five cases of “transmission resulting in fetal death or congenital abnormalities” were also documented.
In reaction to the spike, the Pan American Health Organization, an affiliate of the World Health Organization, issued an epidemic alert for Oropouche virus.
The health organization advised governments to step up their surveillance and prevention efforts. However, there is increasing concern regarding the spread of the Oropouche virus.
What is Oropouche virus?
The Oropouche virus, often known as sloth fever, was discovered in 1955 in a forest worker in a community in Trinidad and Tobago.
The virus is zoonotic, meaning it spreads from animals to people. Oropouche virus is mostly spread to humans through the bite of infected midges, a type of small biting fly.
Certain mosquitoes can also spread the virus from an infected to an uninfected human.
This is why it is restricted to forested environments, where transmission occurs in a cycle between insects and other hosts such as rats, sloths, and birds.
“Changes to temperature and precipitation can affect transmission, for example, rising temperatures can enhance the rate of development of Culicoides midges, one of the virus’ main transmission vectors alongside mosquitoes,” Enny Paixao, an associate professor at Centre for Epidemic Preparedness and Response, said.
What are the symptoms of Oropouche virus?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), 60% of people affected by Oropouche virus develop symptoms.
However, the symptoms can be mistaken for malaria, Zika viruses, or dengue.
It typically starts with a sudden fever with headaches. Other symptoms may include;
- Eye pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Severe abdominal pain
- Conjunctival injection
Is Oropouche virus curable?
Unfortunately, it is not curable. There are no medicines or vaccines to treat Oropouche virus.
The prognosis for recovery is good and fatal outcomes are extremely rare, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
However, the CDC recommends supportive care for people infected with the virus. The supportive care includes rest, fluids, pain management drugs as well as hospitalisation and observation for people with severe symptoms. The virus is also of particular concern to pregnant women.
How can Oropouche virus be prevented?
One has to avoid getting bitten by midgets and mosquitoes. According to the CDC, here are the other preventive measures.
- Use insect repellents
- Wear clothing that covers the legs and arms
- Use mosquito nets
- Use windows and door screens
- When possible, use a fan when outdoors. It will help blow the insects away.
For pregnant women, special precautions should be taken. Also, nonessential travel to countries where the virus is endemic should be reconsidered.
