The Municipal Health Authority of Apucarana (AMS), through the “sentinel test”, which is periodically used to sample blood from patients, ended up detecting a case of oropouche fever, via the Central State Laboratory (Lacen) in the municipality.
The patient, a 57-year-old man, was diagnosed after seeking care in Lagoão, due to symptoms initially related to dengue.
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The user, whose identity remains preserved, showed symptoms typical of arboviruses, leading health professionals to suspect dengue. However, more detailed examinations revealed the presence of the Oropouche Fever virus in his body.
The positive result of a patient, suspected of having contracted dengue, was confirmed today (24) by Lacen. According to the health secretary, Emídio Bachiega, oropouche fever is a rare disease, which is sometimes confused with dengue fever and chikungunya.
“This Thursday, April 25th, we will have a meeting at the 16th Health Region of Apucarana, to evaluate with experts what measures will be adopted, after the confirmation of a case of oropouche fever in Apucarana”, informed Bachiega.
The Apucarana Municipal Health Authority requested an increase in the number of sentinel exams. From five, the number will rise to ten, in order to monitor and identify any new cases.
Oropouche Fever, transmitted mainly by mosquitoes of the Culicoides genus, is an acute febrile illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever, making accurate diagnosis essential for adequate treatment and control of spread.
Isolated cases and outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, mainly in states in the Amazon region.
STREAMING
Oropouche Fever is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes. After biting an infected person or animal, the virus remains in the mosquito’s blood for a few days. When this mosquito bites another healthy person, it can transmit the virus to them.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of Oropouche Fever are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya: headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea and diarrhea.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of Oropouche Fever is clinical, epidemiological and laboratory.
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment. Patients must remain at rest, with symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring.
PREVENTION
Avoid areas where there are many mosquitoes if possible.
Wear clothing that covers most of the body and apply repellent to exposed areas of skin.
Keep the house clean, removing possible mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water and accumulated leaves.
If there are confirmed cases in your area, follow guidance from local health authorities to reduce the risk of transmission, such as specific mosquito control measures.
