Are you aware of this new Oropouche Virus?

You may have seen it in the newspaper, on TV or on the internet. These days, there is talk about a new virus. This virus, which has symptoms similar to dengue and chikungunya in our country, is called the Oropouche virus . Although it is not currently present in Sri Lanka, it is very important for us to be aware of such diseases because of the people who travel abroad. So today, let's talk about this Oropouche virus simply.

What exactly is this Oropouche virus?

Simply put, Oropouche is a viral fever. Some people also call it 'Sloth Fever '. This virus is mainly spread by biting midges, which are insects similar to mosquitoes but much smaller. Some species of mosquitoes can also spread this virus.

This virus was first discovered in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Since then, it has been limited to a few countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. But it has now spread to countries like Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. In 2024, these patients were also reported for the first time from Cuba. Although patients have also been found in several European countries, all of them were people who had traveled to these countries.

How is this disease transmitted from person to person?

It's very easy to understand how this spreads. Think of it this way...

First, an animal (usually a sloth, monkey, or bird) that has this virus in its body is bitten by a mosquito or a tick. Then the virus enters the insect's body. Then, if that insect that has the virus in its body comes and bites you, the virus enters your body too.

After you are infected with the virus, if another healthy mosquito or tick bites you, that insect can also transmit the virus. If that insect then bites another person, the disease can spread further.

Risks for pregnant mothers

If a pregnant mother is bitten by an insect infected with this virus, the infection can be transmitted to the baby in the womb. It can lead to miscarriage or even stillbirth. Therefore, pregnant mothers should be especially careful about this.

What are the symptoms of oropouche?

Symptoms begin to appear between 4 and 8 days after infection with the virus. These symptoms can be divided into several main categories.

Symptoms can subside in as little as 2 days, or they can last for up to a week. What's more, in about 60% of patients, the initial symptoms subside and then recur within a few days or a week.

How does a doctor recognize this?

If you have these symptoms, when you go to see a doctor, he will listen carefully to your symptoms. He will also ask if you have recently traveled abroad. Especially if you have traveled to countries where this virus is spreading, such as Brazil or Cuba, you should tell your doctor about it without hiding it. If you remember being bitten by an insect, it is important to mention that too.

Since it is difficult to tell for sure whether it is Oropouche or dengue based on symptoms alone, the only way to definitively diagnose the disease is through blood tests . These tests are most accurate if performed within the first few days of infection.

What are the treatments for this?

Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for the Oropouche virus yet. Therefore, treatment is limited to keeping the patient comfortable and controlling the symptoms.

• Get plenty of rest: You need to get plenty of rest to give your body's immune system the strength to fight the virus.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to dehydration . Therefore, drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth , porridge, and fruit juice.
• Use of painkillers: You can use a medicine like Paracetamol to reduce body pain and fever.

Can Oropouche cause dangerous complications?

Most people who develop this disease recover completely, but for some it can take up to a month to fully recover.

However, a small number of people, about 4% of those infected, can develop serious complications. These include:

• Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Encephalitis: Swelling of the brain.

These are very dangerous conditions. The symptoms of these are:

• Severe pain in the back of the neck
• Stiff neck
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Excessive sleepiness, lethargy
• Nausea and vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, whether you have Oropouche fever or have recovered from it, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

Prevention is the best! How to protect yourself?

Since there is no specific cure for this, the best thing we can do is to protect ourselves from the insects that transmit the disease. Especially if you are traveling to a country where this disease is present, be sure to follow these things.

• Use insect repellents: Use a safe insect repellent that is applied to the skin.
• Use safety nets: Install screens with very small holes on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Use a mosquito net when sleeping.
• Wear clothing that covers the body: Wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Be careful after traveling: After you return from a country where the disease is present, try to avoid insect bites for 3 weeks . This can help prevent the disease from spreading through mosquitoes in our country, if you have unknowingly contracted the virus.

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