An insect-borne virus has emerged in South America and is reported to have caused the deaths of two young Brazilian women. The women had no underlying health problems. In June and July, Europe saw 19 imported cases of Oropoch virus, as reported by the European Centre for Disease Control. There were 12 cases in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany.
The virus is spread primarily by mosquito and small insect bites and originates from yellow-throated sloths, non-human primates, and birds. NewsweekIts symptoms include headache, fever, muscle pain, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills and sensitivity to light, which are similar to dengue fever. In extreme situations, the virus can enter the brain system and cause encephalitis, meningitis and other potentially fatal neuroinvasive diseases. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that only 4 percent of patients experience this.
The scientific journal Lancet Infectious Diseases said this year’s Oropouche outbreak had reached “unprecedented levels”.
Currently, there is no vaccine available for this virus, which belongs to the same family of diseases as the Zika virus and dengue fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the incubation period for Oropouche virus disease is three to ten days. “Typically, the illness begins with a sudden onset of fever (38-40°C), accompanied by headache (often severe), chills, myalgia, and joint pain,” they said.
Symptoms of the disease can last up to seven days, however, in about 60 percent of patients they may reappear a few days or weeks later. In addition, weakness is observed in many patients for up to a month after diagnosis.
Since mosquitoes are small insects that are less affected by commonly used insecticides, common pest control measures such as insect repellents and mosquito nets are usually not successful against them. However, chemical insecticides such as DEET and deltamethrin work well against these insects.
Outbreaks of the virus have previously been reported in countries in South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. In 2024, outbreaks were reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and most recently Cuba. Since the beginning of this year, more than 8,000 cases have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba.
The virus got its name when it was discovered in the town of Oropouche in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Although nearly half a million cases have been reported since then, not much is known about the disease.
