Oropouche Virus Disease: A growing concern in Central and South America.
As of mid-2024, Central and South America are experiencing a significant outbreak of Oropouche virus disease, impacting countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba.
The Oropouche virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected midges (Culicoides paraensis) and mosquitoes. The virus is mainly spread in tropical and subtropical regions where these vectors are prevalent.
Symptoms of Oropouche virus disease include:
- sudden-onset fever,
- severe headaches,
- muscle and joint pain,
- rash,
- eye pain,
- nausea,
- and dizziness.
While most cases are mild and self-limiting, lasting 3 to 7 days, some individuals may experience more severe symptoms like meningitis and encephalitis.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for the disease, so care focuses on symptom relief, such as rest, hydration, and pain management.
How to protect yourself from Oropouche virus
Preventing Oropouche virus disease involves reducing exposure to vector bites. Unlike mosquitoes, the main vector (midges) lacks a proboscis, and so is unable to bite through clothing.
Covering up, and wearing long-sleeved clothing, is therefore a keyway of preventing infective bites.
Other key measures include using plenty of insect repellent, impregnating clothing with Permethrin insecticide, using bed nets, and staying indoors during peak biting times.
Eliminating standing water where vectors breed is an important public health measure.
Prevention is key!
With no vaccine available, prevention remains the best defence against Oropouche virus disease.
Personal protective measures against insect bites also help protect against dengue, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, malaria, and a wide range of other tropical insect-borne infections, and should be followed carefully by travellers to tropical countries.
Cases found in Europe
Spain, Italy and Germany reported infections in numerous patients who had recently travelled to Cuba and Brazil.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned of a moderate threat to travellers visiting Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Cuba, where Oropouche virus (Orov) is currently spreading.
If you’ve recently travelled to a known outbreak area and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to mention this to your doctor. This will help them rule out an Oropouche virus infection.
Worried about your upcoming travel plans?
Schedule a travel consultation with one of our specialist travel nurses.
They will guide you through potential health risks and recommend the necessary preventive measures and vaccinations to ensure your safety while travelling.
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