Oropouche Virus: The Rising Health Threat

What is Oropouche Virus?

Oropouche virus disease is a zoonotic illness, meaning it is transmitted from nonhuman animals to humans through the Oropouche Virus (OROV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was first discovered in a 24-year old forest worker in the village of Oropouche in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Currently, the Oropouche virus has been linked to around 500,000 cases.

The Oropouche virus is often referred to as “sloth fever,” because scientists first investigating the virus found it in a three-toed sloth. Hence, the virus was initially linked to sloths, which were believed to play a key role in its transmission between insects and animals. Despite this, the disease remains poorly understood.

Oropouche virus or sloth fever

According to the CDC, about 60% of those infected show symptoms similar to dengue or Zika. This includes;

  1. sudden fever
  2. chills
  3. headaches
  4. muscle pain
  5. joint stiffness

Other possible symptoms are eye pain, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and rash. In rare instances, the virus can affect the nervous system, leading to meningitis or encephalitis.

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Symptoms of Oropouche virus typically last between 2 to 7 days but may recur after a few days or even weeks. Most individuals recover within a few days to a month. While the disease can be severe for some, there is no evidence suggesting that pregnant individuals experience more severe symptoms compared to others.

Though Oropouche virus belongs to a different viral family than Zika, it shares many concerns and uncertainties. Janet Hamilton, executive director of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, notes, “This is a great example of what we faced with Zika when it first emerged. We don’t fully understand its life cycle or transmission, and it appears to affect pregnant individuals. This highlights the need for further research.”

How Does it Spread?

Oropouche virus is transmitted to humans primarily through insect bites, particularly from biting midges (tiny flies) and certain mosquitoes. Endemic to the Amazon basin of South America, the virus is maintained in a cycle among insects and hosts like rodents, sloths, and birds, earning it the nickname “sloth fever.” The World Health Organization notes that primates, sloths, and possibly birds can host the virus.

People traveling to these regions can be bitten by infected insects and potentially carry the virus to urban areas. Climate change and deforestation are increasing human interactions with infected insects, raising the risk of spread, according to the Pan American Health Organization.

The virus is currently spreading rapidly in known areas and new regions. Local cases have been reported in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. Although there’s no evidence of local transmission in the U.S, cases have been reported in travelers who visited affected areas.

Dr. Erin Staples, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, indicates that the risk of sustained local transmission in the continental U.S. is low. However, the risk in places like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which have similar environments to Cuba, is less certain.

Oropouche Virus And Pregnancy

Information about Oropouche virus in pregnancy is limited. However, based on a few cases, there are concerns that the virus may be transmitted from a pregnant person to their fetus, potentially leading to adverse outcomes such as stillbirth and birth defects. The CDC is actively investigating these risks and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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What’s Happening Now?

Recent changes in the virus’s geographic spread suggest new vectors may be involved. This year has seen the first reported deaths from Oropouche virus and evidence of transmission from pregnant women to their fetuses, resulting in adverse birth outcomes. As of August 1, the WHO has reported 8,078 confirmed cases of Oropouche virus in the Americas. Brazil has reported fatalities in two healthy young women and is investigating a third case in a middle-aged man. Additionally, there have been at least five cases in pregnant individuals resulting in fetal death or congenital abnormalities such as microcephaly.

Increased viral circulation may be contributing to these severe outcomes. Dr. Staples notes, “As we see more infections, rare and unusual symptoms or deaths can occur. The CDC is working with partners to understand these developments better.”

How Can People Protect Themselves?

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Oropouche virus. Laboratory tests can confirm cases, but such testing is not widely available, and more common viruses like dengue must often be ruled out first.

  1. Preventing mosquito bites is crucial.
  2. Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  3. Wear protective clothing.
  4. Use effective mosquito repellents.

The CDC has issued travel advisories recommending “usual precautions” for South America and “enhanced precautions” for Cuba. Pregnant women are advised to reconsider nonessential travel to Cuba.

Credit: cdc.gov

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