Oropouche virus has been linked to outbreaks in several countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned holidaymakers of the risks, especially for pregnant women.
In June and July, nineteen imported cases of Oropouche virus were reported in the European Union: twelve in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany. All were linked to recent travel to Cuba and Brazil.
Oropouche virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage, developmental problems, and birth defects. It can cause fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain.
Brazil’s health ministry sounded the alarm in July after four babies were born with microcephaly, a smaller-than-expected head. Their mothers had been infected with the virus.
No vaccine or medicine available
There is no vaccine or medicine available to prevent or treat the virus. Although the disease is rarely fatal, Brazil recently reported the world’s first two deaths from the virus, both in their 20s.
More than 8,000 cases have been reported in South and Central America and the Caribbean since January, including outbreaks in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Cuba. According to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of infection for Europeans traveling to these regions is moderate. However, the risk of exposure in Europe itself remains low.
Europe is also reporting increasing numbers of mosquito-borne diseases.
In addition to Oropouche virus, Europe has also reported an increasing number of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus. Recent cases have been detected in Greece and Romania.
The risk of infection for Europeans traveling to epidemic areas remains low due to the absence of mosquitoes and midges that spread the virus on the continent. Furthermore, there have been no documented cases of human-to-human transmission to date.
Key points learned
• Oropouche virus is present mortgage The disease has spread to several countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
• Pregnant women are at risk of miscarriage, developmental problems and deformities as a result of fetal exposure.
• There is no vaccine or medicine available to prevent or treat Oropouche virus.
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