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Oropouche fever continues to spread in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. But not only there. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the disease has also been reported for the first time in EU countries, with 19 cases imported from Cuba or Brazil.
Since January 2024, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche fever have been reported in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. The disease is also being exported, with 19 imported cases reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in various European countries. All cases are linked to travel to Cuba or Brazil.
What is Oropouche fever?
Oropouche fever is a disease that is transmitted by a midge, Culicoides paraensisbut also by different mosquitoes. Oropouche fever is a disease close to dengue fever, and its symptoms are as follows:
- Nausea;
- Fever;
- Chills;
- Vomiting;
- Headaches;
- Joint pain;
- Muscle pain;
- A sensitivity to light;
- Pain behind the eyes;
- A rash, in some cases.
In most cases, the prognosis for the disease is good, although Oropouche fever has recently claimed two victims. There is currently no treatment or vaccine against this disease.
According to the European Health Agency, the risk for travellers is currently moderate. However, it increases for people travelling to this part of the world. It is therefore recommended to protect yourself by wearing long, covering clothing and using repellents.