The world’s first death from Oropouche fever has been confirmed in Brazil. What is it?
Brazil’s health ministry has confirmed the first deaths from Oropouche fever, a severe dengue-like virus. Both victims were young women from the state of Bahia who had no previous health problems.
In short
- Brazil confirms first death from Oropouche fever in Bahia state
- More than 7,200 cases have been reported in the country this year
- PAHO warns of rising cases in the Americas
The world’s first death from Oropouche fever has been recorded in Brazil, Brazil’s Health Ministry has confirmed.
Both the deceased are women under the age of 30, who lived in the state of Bahia and had no co-morbidities. Their symptoms were similar to those of severe dengue fever.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned about rising cases of the Oropoch virus in parts of the Americas. The virus is spread by the bite of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.
What is Oropouche fever?
The virus that causes Oropoch fever, Orthobunyavirus oropochiens, was first identified in Brazil in 1960.
Since then, there have been occasional cases and outbreaks, mainly in the Amazon region, but also in other Central and South American countries such as Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Oropouche fever is primarily spread by the Culicoides paraensis mosquito, locally known as maruim. The symptoms of the fever are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya.
Officials are investigating whether another death in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, is linked to the disease. They are also investigating four miscarriages and two cases of microcephaly (a condition in which a baby’s head is much smaller than expected) in infants in Pernambuco, Bahia and Acre to see if they are related to Oropouche fever.
More than 7,200 cases have been reported in 20 states this year, with the majority of cases in Amazonas and Rondônia, Brazil’s Amazon regions.
Since the year 2023, public health facilities across Brazil have offered diagnostic testing, resulting in more cases being identified across the country.
Treatment and prevention
Symptoms of Oroposh fever usually appear 4-8 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and can last for about a week.
In some cases, symptoms may reappear after a short period of improvement. These symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light.
There is no specific treatment for this virus. To prevent its spread, it is important to avoid areas with mosquitoes, wear long clothing and repellents, keep areas clean, and use screens on doors and windows.
Treatment of this viral fever focuses on relieving symptoms as there is no specific antiviral treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to prevent dehydration.
