WASHINGTON, CMC – The Pan American Well being Group (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological replace on Oropouche virus illness (OROV), highlighting the significance of strengthening analysis, medical administration, prevention, and vector management measures within the Americas, together with the Caribbean.
On Wednesday, PAHO mentioned that from the start of the yr to early October, 10,275 confirmed instances of Oropouche have been reported in 9 nations within the area, nearly all of which was in Brazil (8,258, together with two deaths).
Different affected nations embrace Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guyana, and Peru.
Imported instances have been additionally reported in the US (90 instances) and Canada (two instances), they usually have been linked to journey to nations with ongoing transmission. Moreover, 30 extra imported instances have been reported in Europe.
Because the final epidemiological alert was issued on September 6, PAHO mentioned 423 extra instances of Oropouche have been reported, together with from two nations that had not beforehand reported instances – Ecuador and Guyana.
Oropouche fever is a viral illness characterised by excessive fever, extreme headache, photophobia, and muscle and joint ache. It typically resolves inside two to 3 weeks.
It could possibly generally trigger extra extreme problems, similar to meningitis or encephalitis.
“At present, no particular vaccines or antiviral therapies can be found, and administration focuses on symptomatic reduction,” it mentioned.
In 2024, PAHO mentioned the virus had been detected in areas the place transmission was not beforehand reported.
It mentioned deaths related to the an infection have additionally been recorded, in addition to instances of vertical transmission, together with fetal deaths and congenital anomalies.
PAHO has urged member states to report any uncommon occasions associated to the illness, together with deaths related to OROV and instances of potential vertical transmission, as this data is essential for bettering epidemiological surveillance.
The well being group emphasised the necessity to strengthen epidemiological and entomological surveillance and urged the implementation of vector management measures, provided that OROV is primarily transmitted by the chew of the Culicoides paraenesis midge.
It additionally really helpful selling private safety practices to keep away from bites, particularly for pregnant ladies and susceptible populations.
PAHO urged all member states to comply with the established pointers for the detection and surveillance of Oropouche and to undertake a “proactive strategy” in reporting instances and implementing management methods.
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