Oropouche virus alert

Over 10,000 cases of the Oropouche virus (OROV) have been reported globally in 2024, affecting countries like Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia, as well as parts of Europe. Ecuador has documented two cases, both of which resulted in full recovery.

Oropouche is transmitted primarily through the bite of the biting midge Culicoides paraensis and occasionally by the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, photophobia, and muscle/joint pain, typically resolving within 2-3 weeks. Severe cases may lead to meningitis or encephalitis.

Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments, and the virus can have a fatality rate of up to 88%.

Preventive measures include:

• Avoiding areas with high insect activity.

• Wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents.

• Removing stagnant water to reduce breeding grounds.

You are advised to follow these precautions to lower your risk of infection.