New disease-causing virus variant discovered in Brazil
Danger Suriname and surrounding countries
eyesonsuriname
Amsterdam, Oct. 17, 2024– Brazilian scientists said this week that samples of the Oropouche virus recently discovered in South America’s largest country could belong to a new variant.
According to the latest study on the subject published in the authoritative medical journal The Lancet, the recent increase in cases “ could be linked to a new recombinant Oropouche virus, with an increased ability to reproduce and replicate.”
These findings would be similar and in line with similar work published last month in a similarly authoritative journal Nature.
Cases of Oropouche have been increasing since 2023, noted the infectiologists behind the article.
The disease is transmitted by the Culicoides paraensis, also known as biting mosquitoes or gunpowder flies. In Suriname, it could be the Mampira, although that is not entirely clear.
Although generally not serious with mild symptoms similar to those of dengue, Oropouche can cause serious complications, such as meningitis.
Oropouche symptoms include fever, general malaise, severe fatigue, headache, muscle pain and rash. Some patients may also experience gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and diarrhea, and sensitivity to light. In addition, although only in rare and severe cases, the virus can attack the brain and cause meningitis or encephalitis, which can be fatal.
The first two deaths worldwide caused by this disease were reported in Brazil in July, out of a total of nearly 10,000 infections in that country alone by 2024, mainly in the state of Amazonas. According to the Bahia Health Department (SESAB), the first death occurred on March 27 and the second on May 10. The two victims were women, under the age of 30 and had no comorbidities. Both had signs and symptoms similar to severe dengue fever.
Colombia and Peru were also affected, though to a lesser extent. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has urged all governments in the region to increase entomological surveillance to reduce the presence of mosquitoes and other transmitting insects while implementing preventive measures against vectors.
Recent studies have also suggested that Oropouche fever can be transmitted during sex. Experts made those comments last week after the first occurrences were discovered in Europe.
The finding in the semen of a 42-year-old Italian man has raised much alarm in the scientific community. The ailment is also called “sloth fever” because the virus generally circulates among primates, including sloths. It can occasionally be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes or midges.
” Pending further evidence, we recommend the use of barrier protection during sexual intercourse if OROV is confirmed or suspected,” said Italian researchers.
In addition, experts recommend using insect repellent, mosquito nets on doors and windows and wearing long-sleeved clothing that covers most of the body.
Since there is no specific treatment or vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises patients to rest, keep themselves hydrated and take painkillers. Most people infected with the Oropouche virus have no serious symptoms and recover on their own.
According to the latest report from the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 cases have been identified in Europe: 16 in Spain, 5 in Italy and 2 in Germany.