The virus was recently detected for the first time in Europe; 19 cases were reported in Spain, Italy and Germany.
ADVERTISINGWhile health authorities around the world are grappling with cases of plague, moxibustion and bird flu, there is now another deadly virus that is causing concern.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a warning to clinicians and health authorities about the increasing number of Oropouche virus disease (OROV) cases in the Americas and in anticipation of new cases being reported in additional countries.
In June and July of this year, 19 cases of Oropouche virus disease, also known as “sloth fever,” were reported for the first time in European countries.
Of these, 12 cases were in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany, according to a Report published from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) earlier this month.
These cases were imported by travellers returning from regions where the virus is active, including Cuba and Brazil, the ECDC said.
The Oropouche virus spreads mainly in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Last month, Brazil reported its first deaths Two women, aged 21 and 24, succumbed to severe bleeding and hypotension during an outbreak of the disease.
In addition, a woman had shown symptoms of the Oropouche virus the previous month. lost her baby in the 30th week, and the virus was subsequently detected in the umbilical cord and organs.
What risks does the sloth virus pose in Europe?
The Oropouche virus is transmitted to humans mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes, tiny flies.
However, in some cases mosquitoes can also transmit and spread the virus.
According to the ECDC, the mosquitoes responsible for spreading the Oropouche virus are widespread in the Americas but not in Europe. Moreover, there is only limited evidence that European organisms could transmit the virus.
There is also no evidence that the virus can be transmitted directly from person to person.
However, reports from the Brazilian Ministry of Health indicate that transmission from a pregnant mother to her child is possible.
In such cases, the virus can lead to complications such as miscarriages, abortions and malformations of the fetus.
“The probability of human infection with OROV in the EU/EEA is considered to be very low, despite the possible importation of further OROV cases,” the ECDC said. Risk assessment conditions.
ADVERTISINGAlthough the risk of contracting OROV in Europe remains low, the likelihood of infection may increase under certain circumstances.
For example, there is a medium risk of infection for citizens who travel to or stay in infected areas in South and Central America.
For visitors to the most affected regions, such as northern Brazil or the Amazon region, this risk is higher, especially if they do not take personal protective measures.
Nevertheless, the risk assessment states: “Given the good recovery forecast, the impacts are considered to be low.”
ADVERTISINGWhat are the symptoms of laziness fever?
Infection with “sloth fever” initially presents with sudden onset of high fever as well as severe headache, chills, muscle aches and joint pain.
According to the CDC, those affected also report sensitivity to light, dizziness, eye pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash that starts on the body and spreads to the arms and legs.
In some less common cases, red eyes, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain and bleeding may also occur.
These symptoms usually appear three to ten days after infection and generally last two to seven days. However, in up to 60 percent of cases, symptoms may recur with similar intensity days or weeks later.
ADVERTISINGThere are currently no vaccines or specific medications available to prevent or treat Oropouche virus disease.
The best Preventive measures This includes avoiding bites from midges and mosquitoes in areas where the virus is present by using repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.
