2024-08-02 06:32:33
Germany has reported its first case of Oropouchi fever (OF).
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) wrote in its latest Epidemiological Bulletin that two people from the states of Saxony and Baden-Württemberg were affected, both of whom had returned from Cuba.
“These are the first known patients with OF in Germany,” it continued. Both were infected in Cuba and developed fever, headache, muscle, joint and body pain while staying abroad in late June and early July. Tests in Germany confirmed typical antibodies against the Oropouche virus. According to the information, the disease course of the two affected persons was not complicated.
Oropouchi fever outbreaks have been increasing in South and Central America since late 2022, according to RKI.
“So far, only travel-related cases have been reported in Europe,” RKI wrote. “In recent weeks, Italy and Spain have reported a small number of cases among travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil.”
It is said that the virus is mainly spread through special mosquitoes that do not exist in Europe. Transmission of the virus has not been observed in Europe, and it is unclear whether the virus can be transmitted by European mosquitoes. The authorities stressed that based on current knowledge, further spread in Germany is very unlikely.
“OF is associated with dengue-like symptoms,” the RKI writes, noting that its course is mostly mild. “The most common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain; in rare cases, aseptic meningitis or meningoencephalitis may occur.” The virus may cause malformations in unborn babies. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with current outbreaks.
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