What is Oropouche fever? This rare virus is gaining ground

Identified for the first time in 1955. However, the virus was transmitted from person to person by a small insect called Culicoids paraensisa sort of biker moucheron that differs from mosquitoes, and lives all over the world, especially in rural areas. Similarly, Their tiny size earned them the nickname “invisible”. However, They measure barely 3 mm and leave behind small red marks of the same size. Similarly, “Sometimes this Moucheron stings you and you don’t realize it,” says Souza. Furthermore, “You don’t see it because it’s very fast. In addition, »»

But when these snowfields sting. Similarly, even if the brand is tiny and invisible, they can transmit the oropouche virus to humans or other animals. Furthermore, In tropical forest areas where the virus was once confined. Moreover, the flies catch and propagate the virus among primates, birds and other what oropouche fever? this rare mammals such as lazy with three fingers (Bradypus tridactylus) – which explains why we sometimes call oropouche fever “lazy fever”.

Now that the virus is spreading outside its usual area, scientists are studying other possible modes of transmission. For example, Centers for the control and prevention of American diseases (CDC) seek to determine whether mosquitoes can also transport the virus. Nevertheless, It has long been assumed that these blood suckers were vectors. In addition, but recent research suggests that their transmission potential is low. In addition, And, although the virus has been detected in sperm, no confirmed case of sexual transmission has been reported. Therefore, For the moment, the “invisible” remain the main suspects.

In recent years. Similarly, the ability of tiny insects to disseminate the virus could have been favored by a multitude of factors. Therefore, First, the previous strains of the Oropouche have mutated to form a more what oropouche fever? this rare efficient and faster version to infect cells. The new strains seem capable of escaping the neutralizing antibodies. which help fight the virus as part of the body’s immune response. “This means that previously infected people in Amazon could be likely to be reinfected with new strains,” said Souza.

Deforestation could also be a key factor in the increased propagation of the virus. In the largest tropical forest in the world. the phenomenon is far from rare, pushing the Amazon animals, including snowy, to get closer to areas of human activity as their habitat is reduced. “These insects need blood,” said William de Souza. “You can take the blood of other animals. but if these animals are not present, they will take the blood of humans, and if they take it in humans, they will infect humans. »»

At the same time. climate change could help these flies expand beyond their what oropouche fever? this rare usual areas, because the increase in temperatures and precipitation makes more regions of the world conducive to their reproduction. By pushing insects to new areas. climate change could increase their contact with urban areas, which, for the moment, have fewer flys.

As with many viruses, the propagation of oropouche is also largely influenced by travel. Infected humans can move to other regions without even knowing that they are sick. carrying the virus with them and, if they arrive in an area where the flies are present, triggering a local transmission cycle.

Since the 2023 epidemic, Florida has recorded the vast majority of cases of Oropouche in the United States. Last year, the State reported 103 cases out of a total of 108 identified throughout the country.

But even if these invisible insects thrive in Florida’s damp climate. none of the affected people from the United States, explains Sarah Guagliardo, epidemiologist what oropouche fever? this rare at the Division of CDC vector transmission diseases. “It is actually linked to modes of movement,” she says. “The vast majority of cases detected here concern people who have traveled to Cuba and then returned to Florida. Last year, Cuba experienced a very intense epidemic outbreak. But no local transmission has been detected in Florida. The cases detected in the United Kingdom this year are, in the same way, linked to trips to Brazil.

This does not mean that Florida’s flies (or even mosquitoes) could not transmit the virus in the future. but, in the current state of scientific knowledge, this is not yet the case. To ensure that the situation remains under control, the best method is to avoid contact with insects. “Not being infecting from the start contributes enormously to public health. makes it possible to ensure that the Oropouche virus does not become uncontrollable,” says Sarah Guagliardo.

Avoiding insects at this time of year is a challenge, but this can greatly limit the spread of the virus. Sarah Guagliardo recommends carrying long sleeves and using a repellent approved by a public administrative establishment (EPA) to prevent bitters. The mosquito nets can also be useful. but it must be kept in mind that the flies are much smaller than the mosquitoes, underlines William de Souza, and that all the mosquito nets are therefore not suitable.

The Oropouche virus is only fatal in extremely rare cases and rarely causes persistent health problems. In the majority of symptomatic cases, patients may have fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain and joint pain.

“During the surveillance of the 2024 epidemic. I think that what worried us is that the first deaths linked to the Oropouche were reported in Brazil, as well as fetal deaths and congenital malformations in newborns whose mothers were infected,” what oropouche fever? this rare said Guagliardo. “We have also known for some time that infection can cause severe neurological affections. such as meningitis and encephalitis, although this remains extremely rare. »»

There is no treatment. vaccine against the virus to date, but the health authorities recommend consulting a doctor if you have symptoms, especially after a trip to an area where the prevalence of oropouche is high. Symptoms usually last a little over a week, and the virus can remain transmissible for several days after their disappearance.

“In general. what your health professional will recommend is to rest, to drink a lot of liquids to avoid dehydration, and to take over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain,” she explains. “But there is no specific treatment against oropouche, and that is why we really insist on prevention, avoiding insect bites. »»