Two women in Brazil became world’s first humans to die from Oropouche fever. Reportedly, the women showed symptoms similar to dengue, another mosquito-borne virus which is often confused with Oropouche.
- Before the case, there have been no reports in the world’s scientific literature of deaths from this disease.
- Till July 2024, Brazil had recorded 7,236 cases of oropouche fever in 20 states, most of which, however, were recorded in Amazonas and Rondônia.
- Italy reported its first-ever case of Oropouche in June 2024. It was also the first case ever to be detected in continental Europe. The patient diagnosed in Italy had recently returned from a trip to the Caribbean.
About Oropouche virus
- Oropouche virus was first detected in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Oropouche fever is caused by the Oropouche virus, which is transmitted most often through the bite of the Culicoides paraensis midge.
- Symptoms of the disease are similar to dengue and typically start between four and eight days after the bite.
- The onset is sudden, and symptoms usually include fever, headaches, pain, chills, joint stiffness and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Most patients recover in about seven days.
- According to the WHO, severe cases are rare. There is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment available for the disease.
- The officials are investigating recent reports that pregnant women could have transmitted the virus to their unborn children, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
