Oropouche

Oropouche fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of a midge from the Culicoides species. The disease is named after the Oropouche River in Trinidad and Tobago where it was first isolated in 1955. The virus is a member of the Orthobunyavirus genus in the Peribunyaviridae family.

Epidemiology

Oropouche fever is endemic in the Amazon region of South America, including Brazil, Peru, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. The disease has caused epidemics in Brazil and is considered a public health problem in this country. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of a midge from the Culicoides species. The virus can also be transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that transmits dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Oropouche fever include sudden onset of fever, headache, joint pain, and muscle pain. Some patients may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The symptoms usually last for 4-8 days. In rare cases, the disease can cause meningitis or meningoencephalitis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Oropouche fever is based on the clinical symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests. The virus can be detected in the blood during the acute phase of the disease. Serological tests can also be used to detect antibodies against the virus.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Oropouche fever. The treatment is supportive and includes rest, hydration, and pain relief.

Prevention

The prevention of Oropouche fever is based on the control of the midge population and the use of personal protective measures to avoid midge bites.

See also

• Arbovirus
• Zoonosis
• Emerging infectious diseases

Oropouche Resources
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