Oropouche Fever: Check out the symptoms and treatment of this infection that has been affecting the Amazon since last year
Despite being little known by the majority of the population, oropouche represents one of the most significant arboviruses in Brazil, being responsible for the second most common febrile illness in the country, second only to dengue in terms of registered cases.
Mosquito that transmits oropouche fever - Photo Reproduction/Scott Bauer/Agricultural Research Service/United States Department of Agriculture
The Amazon region faces a public health challenge since last year with the increase in cases of Oropouche Fever. This disease, caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV), has been spreading, generating concerns among the population and health authorities. In the first half of January this year, the state of Amazonas reported more than 50% of the total cases of oropouche fever recorded throughout the previous year.
were identified 223 cases of the disease in the first two weeks of 2024, in contrast to the 424 cases recorded from January to December 2023. Faced with this significant increase, the state Health Surveillance Foundation (FVS) issued an epidemiological alert. It is important to highlight that, according to the FVS, there were no records of deaths associated with this condition.
What is Oropouche Fever?
Oropouche fever is a viral disease transmitted mainly by mosquitoes of the genus Culicoides paraense, also known as maruim. The virus was first discovered in the 1950s in Trinidad and Tobago, but has since been identified in several regions of South America, including Brazil.
Transmission and Propagation
The main form of transmission of Oropouche Fever is through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These insects are most active during dusk and dawn, increasing the risk of exposure during these periods. The spread of the disease may be favored by climatic conditions conducive to the reproduction of mosquito vectors. According to the CEO of the FVS, there are no reports of cases of direct person-to-person transmission.
Sintomas da Febre Oropouche
Os sintomas da Febre Oropouche are similar to those of other viral infections, such as giving them dengue and those of chikungunya, which can make accurate diagnosis difficult. However, according to Tatyana Amorim, CEO of FVS, mosquitoes of the Culex genus can also be vectors. In the wild cycle, the hosts are primate animals and sloths, while in the urban cycle, humans continue to be the main host. Infected people often experience symptoms such as:
High February: One of the most common symptoms, fever can appear suddenly and persist for several days.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Patients may experience severe pain in muscles and joints.
Headache: Frequent headaches are reported by many affected.
Fatigue: A feeling of constant tiredness may accompany the infection.
Nausea and Vomiting: Some infected people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
In addition to these signs, it presents some more characteristic symptoms, such as:
Photophobia(light sensitivity)
Eye pain:Described as severe pain in the eyes
Dizziness:Feeling of discomfort, weakness
Red spots on the skin:Some infected people may have spots, such as dengue, zika.
Diarrhea: Some infected people may experience intestinal disruption.
Another relevant aspect is that, generally, oropouche fever presents pronounced symptoms, that is, most infected people show their symptoms. This contrasts with Zika, for example, where it is estimated that 80% of people do not show symptoms of the infection. The virus has an incubation period of four to eight days, during which the first signs appear. The presence of symptoms generally persists for around five to seven days, however, as highlighted in the alert issued, the patient's complete recovery may take weeks.
Currently, cases are predominantly present in young adults, covering age groups ranging from 20 to 59 years old, although there are confirmed records in all ages.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of Oropouche Fever is generally carried out through laboratory tests that detect the presence of the virus in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Until now, There is no specific vaccine to prevent infection, and treatment aims to alleviate symptoms. Conventional medical care includes rest, fluid intake, analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antipyretics to control fever and pain. In more serious cases, it may be necessary to use an antiviral therapy that uses a drug called ribavirin or hospitalization for monitoring and appropriate treatment.
Precautionary Measures
Given the nature of Oropouche Fever transmission, preventative measures are crucial to contain the spread of the disease. Some precautions include:
Use of Repellents: Apply mosquito repellents, especially during periods of greatest vector activity.
Adequate Protection: Wear clothing that covers most of the body, especially during dawn and dusk.
Vector Control: Implement mosquito control measures, such as eliminating breeding sites and using insecticides.
Population Education: Raise awareness among the population about the risks, symptoms and preventive measures of Oropouche Fever.
