What is the Oropouche virus (OROV)?
Oropouche virus (OROV) is not contagious; the arboviral disease is spread to humans by the bite of infected midges (small flies) and causes sloth fever. Midges attract carbon dioxide exhaled by humans. In 2024, the spread started from two provinces, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos. On 27 May 2024, 74 cases were reported in these areas. Within the first six months of 2024, about 8087 cases were reported in the American region, i.e., Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. In July, 19 cases were reported in the European region, which has a recent travel history to Cuba and Brazil. Cuba is a famous tourist attraction, which caused the spread of OROV. The spread of the Oropouche virus (OROV) throughout the world is an alarming situation. The Oropouche Virus is not considered contagious, and there is no evidence of direct human-to-human transfer of the Oropouche virus.
Arboviral disease:
An arboviral disease is a disease in humans caused by biting infected insects (e.g., arthropods like mosquitoes, flies, and midges).
Causes:
This virus was present in nonhumans like sloths, monkeys, birds, etc., but it is now spread in humans by biting infected arthropods like midges (small flies) and some specific mosquitoes. The transfer of the oropouche virus from the Amazonian region to non-Amazonian regions is due to deforestation and unplanned urbanization. Climate change also causes it to spread to other areas.
Symptoms:
Sloth fever symptoms are similar to dengue symptoms. You may feel fever, confusion, neck stiffness, headaches, skin rash, and joint pains. Some people may also observe nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Only 4% of cases observe two serious neurological problems: meningitis and encephalitis.
What is meningitis?
The meninges is a three-layered membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. Infection of such a membrane is called meningitis. Their quick treatment is necessary; otherwise, you can face serious problems like memory loss, coma, hearing loss, vision loss, etc. Effects vary depending on the damage.
What is Encephalitis?
In encephalitis, brain tissues swell due to infection, which can lead to many problems, such as memory problems, hallucinations, sensitivity to light, and behavioral changes.
Complications:
Complications due to OROV are given below:
Pregnancy issues:
If a pregnant woman gets OROV, it can transfer from the placenta to the fetus and cause serious problems like miscarriage, stillbirth, and other congenital disabilities.
Precautions:
Use insect repellent to control the midges’ growth. Protect yourself by using dim lights and a net. After travel, try to avoid insect bites for three weeks to prevent the spread.
Treatment:
There has been no vaccine available for the treatment of sloth fever until now. Please avoid aspirin and ibuprofen and take them only when your doctor recommends them. The Oropouche virus weakens your immune system, so you must boost it by eating healthy fruits and drinking juices.
Affected areas:
The spread of the Oropouche virus started in Cuba, but now it has spread to many states of America and the European region. OROV is spreading throughout the world so fast.
History of the Oropouche virus:
In 1955, the Oropouche virus was discovered near the area of the Oropouche River present in Trinidad. The reason for calling it sloth fever is that in 1960, OROV was detected in sloth’s blood. Till now, about 5 million cases have been reported, but not a single death has occurred due to OROV. The origin of such viruses is an Amazonian region, like South and Central America. But in 2024, the Oropouche virus spread to America and Europe, too. In 2024, the first case was reported in Cuba, and till now, more than 8000 cases have been reported, with two deaths and five vertical transmission cases causing serious issues.
How long does sloth fever last?
You will observe the symptoms of sloth fever after 7-10 days of the bite. This fever lasts 3-6 days and varies from person to person.
Conclusion:
This virus is not contagious and has a low death rate, but in some cases, it is quite difficult to handle the seriousness. It is spreading throughout the world very fast. Its symptoms are just like dengue and malaria. Vertical transmission also occurs in such fever. Many serious complications appear during pregnancy.
Further Information:
Oropouche cases in the Americas near 10,000
Oropouche virus outbreak in Cuba: All you need to know
References:
Oropouche virus disease – Region of the Americas
Clinical Overview of Oropouche Virus Disease
What to Know About ‘Sloth Fever,’ the Virus That Has Made Its Way to the U.S.
