As of August 1, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche fever have been reported in Latin America.
This was revealed in a recent report of Telemundo Newswhich echoes the warnings of the United States CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Pan American Health Organization.
According to the aforementioned media, the countries with the most cases are Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Cuba and Colombia. In Brazil, two deaths and five cases of vertical transmission have been reported. In this country, it has also been observed that transmission from mother to child is possible, although it is not documented. Transmission through blood is considered probable.
Dr. Jaime Castellanos, director of the Virology Institute at the Universidad del Bosque in Colombia, says that Oropouche is a disease that spreads mainly among people through the bite of an insect known as the Culicoides paraensis gnat and the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito.
“The mosquito bites and carries the virus, but that mosquito does not immediately bite another person. Eight or ten days later, the virus comes out through the saliva. And then, in a second bite, it bites an individual and transmits the virus,” he explained.
The United States has issued a level two travel alert for Cuba
As is known, the United States has issued a level two travel alert for Cuba due to the outbreak of the Oropouche virus on the island. In both the United States and Europe, several travelers have been diagnosed with the condition, raising concerns because it is not known how the virus will behave when transmission and the number of infected people begins to increase.
The report recalls that there is currently no vaccine or specific medication for this disease, the symptoms of which are similar to those of dengue.
Oropouche Symptoms
One of the main signs of the virus is sudden fever. That is, “you may feel fine today and have a high fever tomorrow,” the expert explains. In addition, you may experience pain throughout the body, general malaise, nausea and vomiting.
Specialists warn that people with pre-existing conditions should take precautions, such as diabetics, hypertensive patients, heart patients and transplant recipients.
In this regard, doctors recommend some measures to prevent the transmission of Oropouche, such as the use of repellent, mosquito nets, long-sleeved shirts and being alert to symptoms if you have been in one of the affected areas.
Oropouche en Cuba
This week, the Cuban Ministry of Public Health issued a warning in its update on the virus on the island.
Dr. Francisco Durán, national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology, acknowledged that although “it was considered benign, recent experiences have shown that it can cause serious complications.”
He reported that in Cuba “cases with up to three relapses in one month are recorded, where symptoms of general malaise and fever return.”
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