The Oropouche virus has caused its first two deaths in Brazil. The virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes and gnats and causes symptoms similar to dengue fever. Read on to find out more!
Mosquito-borne infections are on the rise worldwide. From dengue to West Nile virus, infections are spreading rapidly. A lesser-known disease, the Oropouche virus, is under discussion after it killed two young women from Baha, Brazil. The virus is spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes, a species of small midges, although it can also be transmitted by mosquitoes. Let’s understand more about this new disease.
The virus was first detected in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. It is thought that an infected person may have brought it from a forested area into an urban environment. It has since been associated with major outbreaks and sporadic cases in tropical regions such as Brazil, Peru, Haiti, Colombia and French Guiana. The pathogens are spread by mosquitoes such as Culex quinquefasciatus, Coquillettidia venezuelensis and Aedes serratus.
What are the symptoms?
The Oropouche virus causes dengue-like symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Muscle pains
- Stiffness in the joints
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Shaking chills
- Sensitivity to light
Can the Oropouche virus be treated?
There is currently no cure for Oropouche and there are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines available for the disease. To control the disease, the focus should be on managing symptoms with painkillers, antipyretics and adequate hydration.
Compared to other viruses, such as dengue and chikungunya, the Oropouche virus is considered to be understudied. Researchers need to study it further to understand how it affects different types of people.
