Summary
- The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned travelers in South America and the Caribbean about an outbreak of Oropouche virus (OROV) disease.
- More than 8000 cases have been reported in affected areas since January, with 19 imported cases in Europe, mainly in Spain, Italy, and Germany.
- OROV is spread by infected midges and some mosquito species, causing symptoms similar to dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus.
- The main symptoms are fever, joint and muscle pain, and rash, with potential severe cases including meningitis and encephalitis.
- Pregnant women should be cautious when traveling to affected areas, and clinicians should consider OROV in patients with symptoms returning from these regions.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning to travelers in South and Central America and the Caribbean due to an outbreak of Oropouche virus (OROV) disease. This virus has affected over 8000 people in those areas since January, with 19 cases reported in Europe for the first time in June and July. The affected countries include Spain, Italy, and Germany, with travelers having visited Brazil and Cuba.
OROV is transmitted through bites from infected midges and potentially other mosquito species. Symptoms of OROV disease are similar to other arbovirus infections, such as fever, joint and muscle pain, and rash. While most cases are mild, severe complications like meningitis and encephalitis can occur, especially in pregnant women, leading to fetal death or deformities.
Travelers to affected areas are advised to use repellents and consider using mosquito nets with smaller mesh sizes to protect against midges. The risk of being bitten is highest at dawn and dusk in humid conditions. Pregnant women are cautioned to be careful when traveling to affected regions due to the potential risk of congenital infection.
There is minimal risk of local transmission in Europe so far, but further research is needed to understand the virus’s intensity in vectors. Currently, there is no specific treatment for OROV, and supportive care is recommended. European laboratories are equipped to test for the virus, and clinicians are encouraged to consider OROV in their differential diagnosis for patients returning from endemic areas.
In summary, clinicians should be vigilant and open-minded about new emerging diseases like OROV, especially in a rapidly changing and connected world under different climate conditions.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention