Risks of the Oropush virus, which is spreading in Latin America and is being detected in Europe

Oropouche fever outbreak in Latin America worries experts

• In 2024, more than 10,000 cases were reported in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Oropouche fever is transmitted by insects and can be transmitted sexually.
• Climate change and mutant strains may contribute to its rapid spread.

Main: high temperature Oropushclassified as “high risk” World Health Organization (WHO)reappeared with over 10,000 confirmed cases in 2024 in Latin America. The virus, which causes fever, pain and, in severe cases, meningitis, has no treatment or vaccine and is primarily transmitted by insects such as the midge Culicoides paraensis. However, a recent study conducted in Italy revealed the possibility of sexual transmission. Experts say climate change is another factor that could increase the spread of the virus in the region.

Why is this important: Oropouche fever poses a public health threat with new potential transmission routes, and experts warn of the risk of it spreading to a wider area:

• The lack of vaccines and treatments underscores the urgency of preventative measures.
• Possible sexual transmission poses new challenges in health and reproductive technology.
• Climate change may lead to increased risk areas and increased morbidity.

While dengue continues to hit like never before in the region Latin America and the Caribbeananother infection transmitted insects reappears and has already been classified World Health Organization (WHO) with a “high” level of risk at the regional level“for him rapid spread.

This high temperature Oropusha viral disease that causes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, severe discomfort when exposed to light, and muscle and joint pain. In some cases, it can cause more serious complications such as meningitis or encephalitis.

International Society of Infectious Diseases published an editorial in her magazine to draw attention to the ongoing Oropouche fever epidemic in Latin America and the Latin American region.

Experts at this medical institution believed that research was needed “to understand the possible geographic spread of Oropush in the Americas, the potential of the virus to establish itself in susceptible reservoirs and vectors on other continents, factors contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases, and possible consequences of climate change“

Virus causing infection It was first isolated in 1955. in Trinidad and has since caused sporadic outbreaks of fever among people in South America and the Caribbean.

From the beginning of 2024 until October 15 last year, there were reports 10,275 confirmed cases Oropusha in America and two deaths in Brazil, according to Pan American Health Organization.

Countries with cases include Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and the United States, which also reported 90 imported cases. In Europe countries Germany, Spain and Italy They recorded 30 imported cases, mostly from travelers who visited Cuba.

There are currently no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments, and treatment focuses on symptom control. The virus is transmitted to humans through insect bites such as mosquitoes Culicoides paraensis and mosquitoes Aedes spp..which are located in forests and reservoirs.

Two teams of researchers have recently made important discoveries to better understand why the disease has become epidemic this year and how it may be transmitted.

On the one side, Gabriel Scacchettifrom the Institute of Biology named after. University of Campinasin Brazil, together with colleagues from the US and UK, determined that the strain of the virus that has been circulating since last year represents a genetic rearrangement.

In an article published in Lancet of Infectious DiseasesThe research team noted that a change in the pathogen “may contribute to the unprecedented spread of the epidemic.” Therefore, they noted, “ongoing surveillance for Oropouche virus strains capable of evading immunity is critical to epidemic preparedness.”

On the other hand, the investigation into Italy postulated the possibility of transmission of the virus through unprotected sexual relations. It’s been done Concetta Castiglietti and colleagues from Hospital IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabriaalong with Federico Gobbi, from That University of Brescia.

The team documented the case of a 42-year-old Italian man who developed symptoms Oropouche fever after traveling to Cuba last July. Oropouche virus RNA was detected in the patient’s blood, serum, urine and semen.

Sixteen days after the onset of symptoms, they were able to isolate replicating virus in a semen sample, suggesting the possibility of sexual transmission, they commented in The New York Times Magazine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In dialogue with Information, Paula Bergeroresearcher of mathematical models and infectious diseases Institute for Theoretical and Applied Physico-Chemical Research (INIFTA)which depends on Konise And The National University of La Plata commented: “At the moment only one case has been identified, but The discovery of a virus in a patient’s semen is already raising concerns about the possible risk of sexual transmission.

This may pose a risk not only to the patient’s sexual partner, but also to surgical procedures. sperm preservation And assisted reproductive technologies. For this reason, he emphasized, the use barrier protection, such as condoms, in sexual relationships.

“We are faced with a newly emerging disease, many aspects of which are still unknown. A study conducted by researchers in Brazil tells us that there have been genetic changes in the virus, although it requires more research. Although working in Italy increases the likelihood that the virus is transmitted not only through insect bites, but also through sexual contact,” he said. Information president Latin American Society of Travel Medicine (SLAMVI), Alfonso Rodriguez Morales.

There is also the possibility that human-caused climate change is another factor in the virus becoming more widespread in areas where it had not previously circulated.

In a study published in Lancet of Infectious Diseases It was reported in detail that the rainy season in Brazilian Amazoncharacterized by high temperatures and humiditycould contribute to the reproduction and density of insect populations. Culicoides paraensis.

They also acknowledge that there is a lack of information about the consequences rising temperatures and climate events such as El Niño 2023-2024. in the distribution of Oropush.

While investigations continue, PAHO stressed the importance of taking control and prevention measures in areas with Oropouche fever outbreaks. Among the recommendations:

• Surveillance needs to be strengthened to detect insects, especially Culicoides paraensiswhich is the main transmitter of the virus. It is recommended to identify and eliminate breeding sites where water accumulates.
• Implement farming practices that avoid waste accumulation and keep areas free of weeds to reduce insect harborage.
• Use fine mesh on your doors and windows to help prevent bites.
• Apply approved repellents such as DEET to exposed skin and clothing.
• Wear clothing that covers your legs and arms, especially for people in contact with the outside world.
• Use insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets for people who rest during the day (eg, pregnant women, infants).