EXPLAINER: What to know about Oropouche virus — the disease with no cure

A potentially deadly virus spread by insect bites has health officials on alert, following a significant rise in cases across the United States and Europe.

From January to August 2024, more than 8,000 cases of the Oropouche virus disease have been reported, with most occurring in South America — although deaths are rare.

Two deaths, twenty travel-related cases, and five instances of “transmission resulting in fetal death or congenital abnormalities” were also reported.

In response to the surge, the Pan American Health Organization, an arm of the World Health Organization, issued an epidemiological alert for Oropouche virus.

The health organisation urged countries to strengthen their surveillance and prevention efforts. However, there is growing concern about the spread of Oropouche virus.

What is Oropouche virus?

Oropouche virus also called sloth fever was first detected in 1955 in a forest worker in a village in Trinidad and Tobago.

The virus is zoonotic, which means it is transmitted from animals to humans. Oropouche virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected midges, a species of tiny biting flies.

Certain types of mosquitoes can also transmit the virus from an infected person to an uninfected person.

This is why it is endemic to forested areas where transmission is maintained in a cycle between insects and other hosts such as rodents, sloths, and birds.

“Changes to temperature and precipitation can affect transmission, for example, rising temperatures can enhance the rate of development of Culicoides midges, one of the virus’ main transmission vectors alongside mosquitoes,” Enny Paixao, an associate professor at Centre for Epidemic Preparedness and Response, said.

What are the symptoms of Oropouche virus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), 60% of people affected by Oropouche virus develop symptoms.

However, the symptoms can be mistaken for malaria, Zika viruses, or dengue.

It typically starts with a sudden fever with headaches. Other symptoms may include;

• Eye pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Light sensitivity
• Severe abdominal pain
• Conjunctival injection

Is Oropouche virus curable?

Unfortunately, it is not curable. There are no medicines or vaccines to treat Oropouche virus.

The prognosis for recovery is good and fatal outcomes are extremely rare, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

However, the CDC recommends supportive care for people infected with the virus. The supportive care includes rest, fluids, pain management drugs as well as hospitalisation and observation for people with severe symptoms. The virus is also of particular concern to pregnant women.

How can Oropouche virus be prevented?

One has to avoid getting bitten by midgets and mosquitoes. According to the CDC, here are the other preventive measures.

• Use insect repellents
• Wear clothing that covers the legs and arms
• Use mosquito nets
• Use windows and door screens
• When possible, use a fan when outdoors. It will help blow the insects away.

For pregnant women, special precautions should be taken. Also, nonessential travel to countries where the virus is endemic should be reconsidered.