PAHO issues warning to US countries over mother-to-child transmission; know symptoms

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned of possible cases of mother-to-child transmission of Oropouche virus (OROV) in Brazil and has issued an epidemiological alert for countries in the Americas to strengthen surveillance against the possibility of similar symptoms occurring in areas where this and other arboviruses are circulating.

OROV virus, usually transmitted through the bites of blackflies and some species of Culex mosquitoes, It was first detected in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, and since then sporadic outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama and Peru.

Oropouche disease causes sudden fever, headache, joint stiffness, pain and, in some cases, photophobia, persistent nausea and vomiting that can last five to seven days. Although severe clinical presentation is rare, it can progress to aseptic meningitis. Full recovery may take several weeks.

The region has seen a recent increase in cases, with five countries reporting 7,700 cases. Brazil tops the list with 6,976 cases. The detection of suspected cases of mother-to-child transmission comes in the context of an increase in the number of cases reported.

In a recent case, a pregnant woman from Pernambuco developed Oropouche symptoms at 30 weeks of pregnancy. After laboratory confirmation of OROV infection, the fetus was subsequently reported dead. A second suspected case was reported in the same Brazilian state, where a pregnant woman presented with similar symptoms and had a spontaneous abortion.

PAHO notes that possible vertical transmission and consequences for the fetus are still under investigation; However, he urged countries to remain very vigilant about such cases to better understand this possible route of transmission and its consequences.

This week, the organization published guidance on how to identify and monitor Oropouche virus in cases of possible maternal and child infection, congenital malformations, or fetal death. The organization is working closely with countries where cases have been confirmed to share knowledge and experience.

To combat OROV, PAHO is calling on countries in the region to implement vector prevention and control measures, including strengthening entomological surveillance, reducing mosquito and other insect vector populations, and educating the population on personal protective measures, especially for pregnant women, to prevent bites.

Recommended actions include: protecting homes with fine-mesh mosquito nets on doors and windows; wear clothing that covers your legs and arms, especially in homes where people are sick; use repellents containing DEET, IR3535, or icaridin, and use mosquito nets on beds or furniture where people rest.