PTC News Desk: An insect-borne virus has emerged in South America, killing two young Brazilian women. Women had no underlying medical issues. According to the European Centre for Disease Control, 19 cases of the Oropouche virus were imported into Europe during June and July. Spain reported 12 cases, Italy five, and Germany two.

How does it spread?

According to reports, the virus usually spreads through insect bites, such as mosquitoes and midges. It originates from pale-throated sloths, non-human primates, and birds. 

Symptoms

Headaches, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, and light sensitivity are common symptoms of the infection. 

In extreme cases, the virus can enter the brain, causing encephalitis, meningitis, and other potentially fatal neuroinvasive diseases. 

The Centres for Disease Control believes that just 4% of patients experience this.

Currently, there is no vaccination for the virus, which is related to the Zika virus and Dengue disease. According to the Centre for Disease Control, the Oropouche virus has an incubation period of three to 10 days. "Typically, the disease starts with the abrupt onset of fever (38-40 degrees Celcius) with headache (often severe), chills, myalgia, and arthralgia."

The disease's symptoms typically remain up to seven days, although they may recur a few days or weeks later in around sixty percent of people. Furthermore, weakness has been observed in a few patients for up to a month after diagnosis.

Outbreaks of the virus have earlier been reported in countries across South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. In 2024, outbreaks were recorded in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and more recently in Cuba. Over 8,000 cases have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba since the beginning of this year.

- PTC NEWS

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