Cuba: For the first time, Europe has reported cases of the Oropouche virus, which recently led to the deaths of two young women in Brazil and is now spreading rapidly across the continent.
Oropouche virus is a debilitating illness transmitted by midges and originating from sloths. The European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) confirmed 19 imported cases in June and July, with Spain reporting 12 cases, Italy five, and Germany two, according to the Local Media.
Experts Warn of Potential Unstoppable Spread of Oropouche Virus
The spread of the Oropouche virus, transmitted from sloths to humans via insects, has prompted concern among experts about a potential ‘unstoppable’ outbreak. Medical Journal Lancet reported that two individuals who visited Cuba developed Oropouche symptoms upon returning to Italy.
The Oropouche virus, which is transmitted through insect bites including mosquitoes, is known to come from pale-throated sloths, non-human primates, and birds. It shares a viral family with Zika and Dengue Fever, but no vaccine is currently available.
Symptoms of Oropouche virus include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain, generally resolving within four days. Severe symptoms are rare, and fatalities are extremely uncommon.
On July 25, the Lancet revealed two fatalities in Brazil involving young women who had no pre-existing health conditions and exhibited symptoms consistent with the Oropouche virus. Additionally, the journal mentioned that the actual number of infections might be higher than reported, particularly in Ciego de Avila province in Cuba. This area was not included in the World Health Organization’s initial reports on the virus at the time of diagnosis.
Previously, the virus has caused outbreaks in South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. Notable recent outbreaks occurred in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba. Of the European cases, 18 involved recent travel to Cuba, while the remaining case in Italy was linked to Brazil.
Between January and mid-July 2024, over 8,000 cases were reported across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba. The ECDC has assessed the risk of infection for European Union citizens travelling to or residing in affected areas as moderate after a surge in infection cases reported in America.
The European authorities have advised travellers to these regions to take preventive measures, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing to minimize the risk of bites, both outdoors and indoors.
Sloth Borne Virus Reported in Europe, Experts Warn Of ‘Unstoppable’ Outbreak world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World News Today
