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The virus is endemic in non-human primates, such as sloths, in the AmazonCredit: Getty
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Midge and mosquitos carry the virusCredit: Getty
“Since, Oropouche is transmitted by mosquitos, the best way to protect oneself is to take precautions to reduce insect bites,” he previously told the Sun.
This includes wearing long-sleeved clothes, using mosquito nets and using insect repellent that contains DEET.
However, Dr Marine J Petit, a virologist from the University of Surrey cautioned that standard insect repellents and mosquito nets might not completely “do the trick”.
This is because the virus can also be spread by tiny midges, which can “slip through the nets and might not be bothered by the usual repellents,” she told the Sun.
“My advice will be to monitor symptoms, which may appear in a week following the bite by infected midges or mosquitoes,” she explained.
Symptoms of Oropouche fever are similar to dengue and include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light.
Severe cases may result in brain diseases such as meningitis, a brain swelling disease.
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She also warned Brits travelling to affected countries to avoid cities where the virus has been spotted.
“It might be wise to avoid tropical forests or cities with current outbreaks,” she told the Sun.
Oropouche virus: Everything you need to know
Oropouche fever is a disease caused by Oropouche virus
It is spread through the bites of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.
Symptoms of Oropouche fever are similar to dengue and include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light.
Severe cases may result in brain diseases such as meningitis.
Symptoms typically start 4–8 days after being bitten and last 3–6 days.
Most people recover without long-term effects.
There are no specific medications or vaccines are available.
Precautions
Travellers heading to affected areas should take steps to avoid bug bites.
The virus is endemic in many South American countries, in both rural and urban communities.
Outbreaks are periodically reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago.Â
Wear tops with long sleeves and long trousers, apply insect repellent regularly, and sleep under a mosquito net if you are not in enclosed, air-conditioned accommodation.
Source: US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
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Publish date : 2024-08-30 03:00:00
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