Serious warning! Oropuche virus sweeps across the Americas, Canada urgently issues travel warning!
Recently, another virus called Oropouche Virus has ravaged the Americas, raising global awareness!
Nowadays, the world is witnessing a surge in mosquito borne diseases, including dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile virus. The recent outbreak of the Oropuche virus has caused two deaths in Brazil and is also the world's first death case, highlighting the threat posed by the disease.
According to multiple English media reports, this is an emerging infectious disease caused by Oroqe virus (OROV), mainly transmitted through the bites of blood sucking insects such as mosquitoes and grasshoppers, leading to acute illness.
The symptoms are similar to dengue fever, including fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash. In severe cases, it can also develop into meningitis or encephalitis.
Oropuche virus was initially discovered during a fever outbreak in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean country. It was later discovered in multiple South and Central American countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Panama, where it caused serious epidemics.
Image source: CDC
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear 4-8 days after infection. Sudden onset, accompanied by fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, chills, and frequent nausea and vomiting. Although most cases recover within a week, severe cases may lead to meningitis and take several weeks to recover.
As of the end of July, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Brazil has reached 7236, mainly concentrated in the states of Amazonas and Rondonia, showing a significant increase compared to last year. Last year, the overall number of cases was only about 840.
According to reports, two Brazilian patients who died from the Oropuche virus were 21-year-old and 24-year-old women. They had no underlying health problems before and both developed symptoms similar to severe dengue fever, including fever, headache, and body pain.
Four days after the first symptoms appeared, a 21-year-old female patient began to experience bleeding from her nose, lower body, and gums. Two days later, she passed away after being taken to the hospital; Another 24-year-old woman died of cardiac arrest several hours after admission.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, Oroqe virus is typically a self limiting disease, and most patients fully recover within a week. However, in some cases, this disease may be more severe.
Image source: OnlyMyHealth
Symptoms such as fatigue and general discomfort may persist for up to a month after the initial infection. It is worth noting that although serious illnesses may occur, the vast majority of patients will fully recover without any long-term health consequences. Death caused by this virus is extremely rare.
At present, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Oroproxil. The focus of treatment is to control symptoms through painkillers, antipyretics, and sufficient fluids.
The World Health Organization has proposed some preventive measures, including the use of mosquito nets and deworming equipment.
Pan American Health Organization warns of 'high risk': urges countries to strengthen prevention and monitoring
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert, calling on countries to strengthen monitoring and laboratory diagnosis of the Oroqe virus.
This call was made after the recent increase in cases, the spread of the disease to new areas, and the reporting of the first infection related death case. As of the end of July 2024, there have been 8078 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Americas, including 2 deaths.
Five countries have reported cases: Bolivia (356 cases), Brazil (7284 cases, including 2 deaths), Colombia (74 cases), Cuba (74 cases), and Peru (290 cases).
Although this disease has been historically described as a mild illness, its geographical distribution of transmission and the emergence of more severe cases highlight the need for strengthened monitoring and warnings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recently issued a Level 1 travel warning.
Image source: CDC
At present, the virus seems to be heading towards North America, and the Cuban Ministry of Public Health has reported an outbreak of Oropuche virus, which is the first time the virus has been detected in Cuba.
Image source: Global News
Canada has updated its travel warning for Cuba, reminding people to "remain highly vigilant" when traveling to the country.
The warning states that Cuba is facing a severe shortage of basic necessities and an outbreak of a viral disease similar to dengue fever without any available vaccines.
The spread of Oroqe fever cases through the bites of infected flies and mosquitoes continues. Symptoms include fever, joint and muscle pain, and in severe cases may escalate to aseptic meningitis. If travelers spend a long time outdoors, they will face risks.
The Canadian government suggests that due to local supply shortages, travelers should strive for self-sufficiency as much as possible. It is recommended to bring essential items such as water, snacks, and basic medicines. To prevent Oroqe fever, it is recommended to use EPA approved deworming agents and wear long sleeved shirts, pants, and hats to reduce the risk of bites.
If symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.
At the same time, Canada also reminds travelers to Brazil to "remain highly cautious".
The Canadian government wrote in a notice reminding people to be alert to the Oroqe virus in the Americas: Although Oroqe fever has been detected in the Americas before, the recent number of cases is higher than expected, and some areas in Brazil, Bolivia, and Cuba have also reported cases, which have never been reported before.
The notice also states, "After returning to Canada, please continue to monitor your health condition. If you experience symptoms of Oropuche fever, seek medical care and tell a doctor where you have been
Chinese Canadians, if you happen to have plans to travel abroad in the near future, be extra careful!
Source link:
https://www.paho.org/en/news/2-8-2024-paho-urges-countries-strengthen-prevention-surveillance-and-diagnosis-oropouche-virus
https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-oropouche-virus-symptoms-causes-prognosis-treatment-prevention-1722319981