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Expert-backed tips to protect travelers from the Sloth Virus Oropouche
Health authorities have issued a warning to travellers after 19 cases of the insect-borne disease â Oropoch virus â were confirmed in Europe for the first time. Those who tested positive for the virus had recently returned from holidays in Cuba and Brazil. Read on to know some expert-backed tips to prevent the infection from spreading.
According to The Lancet â Oropoch is called a âmysterious threatâ because not much is known about it as it is still an emerging disease
Health officials across Europe have reported about 19 cases of the slot virus so far this summer. In June and July alone, 12 infections were confirmed in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany, according to the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC).
According to reports, at least 18 people suffering from the disease had recently visited Cuba, while one person had been to Brazil â where Oropoch recently claimed the lives of two young women.
More than 10,000 cases have been reported worldwide since the beginning of this year, and 500,000 cases have been reported since the disease was discovered in 1955. According to experts, since this yearâs outbreak began in South American countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Cuba, the virus will spread globally.
Lancet calls virus a âmystery threatâ
According to the journal The Lancet â Oropoch is called a âmysterious threatâ because not much is known about it as it is still an emerging disease. But since it is spread by the bite of mosquitoes and mosquitoes that drink the blood of sloths, monkeys or birds, doctors recommend avoiding bites to protect yourself.
Here are some expert-backed steps you can take to protect yourself from the virus:
Prevent bites
According to doctors, it is important to protect yourself from dengue, Zika, malaria, and other similar viruses that are spread by mosquitoes, especially in tropical areas. And so, if you are traveling, make sure to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved tops and trousers, and stay in places with air conditioners or where window and door mesh and mosquito nets are used.
The NHS says you should avoid strongly scented perfumes, soaps, shampoos and deodorants.
You should also make sure to remove food waste, dead leaves, and water reserves around your home, to reduce the places where female insects can lay their eggs.
avoid traveling to infected areas
Doctors recommend avoiding travel to areas where the Oropoch virus is present because you could carry the infection back to your country if you are bitten by an infected mosquito or insect. Also, not traveling can reduce additional spread of the virus and its potential importation into unaffected areas.
Know the signs and symptoms
Doctors say you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease to protect yourself from Oropouche. According to the CDC, the infection begins with a fever and headache â which usually starts three to 10 days after being bitten by an infected bug. Other possible symptoms include muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, and sensitivity to light.
Seek immediate medical help
According to the CDC, if you notice any symptoms of infection, contact your doctor without delay to prevent any further complications and infection. Officials say that people who travel to areas with Oropoch infection â including South America or the Caribbean â should get tested if they have fever, chills, headache, joint pain or muscle aches during or within two weeks of travel:
- Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDS to reduce the risk of bleeding
- Continue to protect against insect bites during the first week of illness to prevent further spread of the disease, especially in areas where mosquitoes or biting mosquitoes are active
Avoid unnecessary travel
According to the C.D.C., if youâre pregnant, reconsider non-essential travel to Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba. It says, âIf travel is unavoidable, pregnant travelers should strictly follow Oropouche virus prevention recommendations to avoid insect bites while traveling.â
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