“Send them to us” – The Time

There is an alert from the Irccs Spallanzani on Oropouche fever. «Following the notification of the first cases in Italy of the Oropouche virus (Orov) and the epidemiological alert launched by the Pan-American Health Organization (Paho) ​​on the identification of possible cases of fetal infection – informs the institute, a national reference center for infectious diseases – Emanuele Nicastri, director of the UOC High-intensity Infectious Diseases of the Inmi L. Spallanzani in Rome, sent a note to the Regional Network of Infectious Diseases, of which he is clinical coordinator, to draw attention to the topic». “In the case of patients returning from endemic areas with acute fever symptoms – we read in the note, as reported by Spallanzani – it is suggested to consider in the differential diagnosis, in addition to malaria and the most common arbovirosis caused by Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika viruses, also the infection by Oropuche virus, with particular attention to pregnant women”.

And, consequently, to send the suspected cases to Spallanzani where “we have the necessary tests and are ready to identify the clinical symptoms and in our laboratories, directed by Dr. Fabrizio Maggi, the possible presence of the microorganism”. Nicastri’s note takes up some passages of the epidemiological alert launched by PAHO, regarding the possible transmission of the infection from mother to unborn child during pregnancy. “The possible vertical transmission and the consequences on the fetus are still being investigated. However – the organization explained in recent days – this information is shared with the member states to make them aware of the situation and at the same time ask them to be alert to the occurrence of similar events in their territories”. In support, PAHO has published guidelines to assist countries in the identification and surveillance of Oropouche and possible cases of infection from mother to child, congenital malformation or fetal death.

Oropouche virus is transmitted to humans mainly through the bite of a midge or Culex mosquito, Spallanzani recalls. Symptoms of the disease include the sudden onset of fever, headache, joint stiffness, pain and, in some cases, photophobia, nausea and persistent vomiting that can last five to seven days. Although severe clinical presentation is rare, the infection can evolve into aseptic meningitis. Complete recovery may take several weeks. In the last 10 years, outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease have occurred mainly in the Amazon region. The virus is endemic in many countries of South America, both in rural and urban communities. Outbreaks are periodically reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago. Outbreaks have recently been reported on the island of Cuba.