- An insect-borne virus, similar to the mosquito-borne dengue virus, called oropouche, has been spreading rapidly in South America.
- The virus has now crossed continents, with cases emerging in the US and Europe, regions previously unaffected.
- Oropouche, also known as sloth fever, primarily spreads through the bite of infected biting midges, a type of fly, and occasionally through mosquitoes.
- First detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago, the virus has historically circulated in parts of South America.
| Symptoms and Risks | Treatment and Prevention |
| Most cases of oropouche fever are mild, with symptoms resembling dengue: headache, fever, muscle pain, nausea, eye pain, and rash. In some cases, it can lead to more severe conditions like meningitis and encephalitis. It poses significant risks to pregnant women, potentially leading to fetal complications similar to those seen with the Zika virus. | Treatment is symptomatic, with acetaminophen (paracetamol) recommended for fever and pain to avoid the risk of haemorrhaging. There is currently no vaccine available. The best preventive measure is to avoid bites from midges and mosquitoes, similar to precautions taken for dengue and malaria. |
- The virus’s unique RNA structure, consisting of three segments, allows for genetic mutations that may enhance its ability to infect, spread, and resist drugs.
- India, while not yet affected, should remain cautious and implement preventive measures to avoid potential outbreaks.
Dig Deeper: Compare it with Tick-borne diseases like Rickettsial fever.
