Situation at a glance
Since the last Disease Outbreak News on this event was published on 23 August 2024, three additional countries and one territory (Ecuador, Guyana, Panama and Cayman Island) have reported confirmed Oropouche virus disease in the Region of the Americas in 2024. In addition, imported Oropouche cases have been reported from Canada, the United States of America and countries of the European Region.
As of 25 November 2024, a total of 11 634 confirmed Oropouche cases, including two deaths, have been reported in the Region of the Americas, across ten countries and one territory: Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Peru and the United States of America.
Based on available information, WHO assesses the overall public health risk posed by this virus to be high at the regional level and low at the global level. As the arbovirus season is starting in the region, WHO urges countries at risk to strengthen epidemiological and entomological surveillance and to reinforce preventive measures in the population.
This is crucial due to the geographical expansion of the virus and the possible new vectors and transmission routes, including vertical transmission, that could affect both the general population and vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, their fetuses, and newborns.
Oropouche virus disease (OROVD), also known as Oropouche fever, is a viral illness transmitted to humans through the bite of infected midges (small flies, sometimes called “no-see-ums”) and possibly mosquitoes. It’s named after the Oropouche River in Trinidad and Tobago, where the virus was first identified in 1955.
Here’s what you need to know about OROVD:
Symptoms: Most people experience flu-like symptoms, including:
Fever (almost always present)
Severe headache
Chills
Muscle aches (myalgia)
Joint pain (arthralgia)
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Less commonly, a rash
Severity: OROVD is usually mild, and most people recover fully within a week. However, in some cases, it can cause more severe complications like:
Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Relapse of symptoms days or weeks later
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for OROVD. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Prevention: The best way to prevent OROVD is to avoid bug bites. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and use mosquito nets when sleeping in areas where the virus is present.
Where it’s found: OROVD is primarily found in certain regions of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. However, there have been recent outbreaks in areas where it wasn’t previously detected, including Cuba.
Important Notes:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent OROVD.
While sexual transmission hasn’t been confirmed, the virus has been detected in semen, raising concerns about potential sexual transmission.
Pregnant women should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as OROVD may cause complications during pregnancy. If you experience symptoms of OROVD and have recently traveled to an area where the virus is present, seek medical attention. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about your travel history.
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Publish date : 2024-12-05 20:37:00
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