Oropouche virus: emerging threats, symptoms and prevention

Oropouche virus: emerging threats, symptoms and prevention

A new study examines the emerging Oropouche virus, its transmission, symptoms and preventative measures, highlighting potential risks for travelers.

A current oneCanadian Medical Association JournalThe study provides an overview of the emerging Oropouche virus.

Oropouche virus outbreaks

Outbreaks of Oropouche virus infections have occurred in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Since late 2023, several cases of Oropouche have been reported among Canadian and American travelers returning from Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba and Peru. In regions affected by Oropouche, some others are also endemic in terms of viruses such as Zika, malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

Sustained transmission of Oropouche in the United States is unlikely due to differences in climate between the United States and nations where Oropouche infection is endemic. Widespread use of air conditioning in the United States, combined with low mosquito and midge populations, also reduces the risk of ongoing transmission.

Symptoms

The Oropouche virus has an incubation period between three and 10 days. Mild symptoms or asymptomatic infections are often reported with Oropouche infection.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with this infection include fever, chills, headache, and myalgia, which persist for two to seven days. Less common symptoms that are associated include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and hemorrhagic symptoms including epistaxis, gingival hemorrhage, melena, menorrhagia, and petechiae.

After recovery from an Oropouche infection, symptoms appear within a few days to several weeks in about 60% of patients. Severe manifestations of infection include maculopapular rash, vomiting, abdominal pain, aseptic meningoencephalitis, and death; However, these are rare events.

Like the Zika virus, Oropouche infection can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including birth defects such as microcephaly, norbirth, and miscarriage. The Oropouche virus does not appear to be transmitted to the infants of nursing mothers, indicating that mothers suspected of being infected with Oropouche may continue to breastfeed.

Viral transmission

The Oropouche virus is transmitted through bites from infected peopleCulicoides paraensisBiting into mosquitoes andCulex quinquefasciatusMosquitoes. It is not known to transmit other viruses such as Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya.

Culex quinquefasciatusare also capable of spreading West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses. AlthoughCulex quinquefasciatusMosquitoes are present in the southern United States, but local transmission of Oropouche virus has not been reported.

A research letter recently published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Emerging infectious diseasesreported the detection of replication-competent Oropouche virus ribonucleic acid (RNA) material in the semen of a febrile man who had recently traveled to Cuba. Viral RNA persisted in both semen and whole blood samples until 58 days after symptom onset, indicating that Oropouche virus has the potential to be transmitted through sexual contact.

Prevention and treatment

Using mosquito nets, long-sleeved clothing, and chemical insect repellents such as deltamethrin, icaridin, or N,N-diethyl-metatoluamide (DEET) can prevent Oropouche infection.

Polymerase chain reaction of blood and urine samples collected within seven and 10 days of symptom onset is the primary method of diagnosing this infection. In addition to viral RNA detection, other abnormal laboratory findings that may be related to oropouche infection include lymphopenia, leukopenia, high C-reactive protein (CRP), and mildly elevated liver enzymes.

In early stages of infection, treatment is supportive; However, paracetamol should be the preferred anti-analgesic rather than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There are currently no vaccines or antivirals to prevent or treat the disease.

Current governance

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) – In collaboration with member states of the World Health Organization, is actively monitoring the epidemiological situation of Oropouche virus disease. “

Public Health Canada has published recommendations that travelers take necessary precautions and avoid insect bites. Pregnant people and those planning to become pregnant should also consider postponing travel to areas where Oropouche outbreaks have been reported.

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