The Gazette | Oropouche fever: how the disease from the Amazon region reached ES

Oropouche fever is a disease caused by an arbovirus (virus transmitted by mosquitoes) of the genus Orthobunyavirus, of the Peribunyaviridae family. The vector of Oropouche fever is a very small insect, measuring one to three millimeters, popularly known as “maruim” or “powderfly”.

Since February, Amazonas has faced an outbreak of the disease. That month, a 68% increase in the number of cases was recorded in the Amazonian state, compared to the same period last year. At the beginning of March, Rio de Janeiro announced the first case of oropouche fever, diagnosed in a patient with a history of traveling to Manaus (AM). From then on, other records were announced in states in the Southeast, South and Northeast.

In Espírito Santo, the State Department of Health (Sesa) reported, last Tuesday (23), the registration of cases of oropouche fever. As of Thursday (25), 18 cases were confirmed in Espírito Santo territory, 10 of which were in Colatina, in the northwest of the state.

Oropouche fever: how the disease from the Amazon region reached ES

For infectologist Lauro Pinto, the virus reached other states, mainly due to global warming and climate change.

“The fact that we have very high temperatures interferes with the migration of some infectious diseases, which begin to expand beyond their original habitats. Another point is the easy movement of the population. This is because infected people can contaminate the transmitting insects in the region. Furthermore, the increase in heat facilitates the proliferation of mosquitoes in general”, points out the infectious disease specialist.

The mosquito that spreads the disease varies in color from gray to dark brown and has short, wide wings. The insect has a greater incidence in regions with high humidity and the presence of organic matter, such as in forest areas.

Among the characteristics of the infection, the high potential for transmission and dissemination stands out, with the capacity to cause outbreaks and epidemics in urban areas. There is no vaccine and specific treatment available.

The expert also notes that the increase in cases of unusual diseases, such as oropouche, should occur more often.

Despite not being highly lethal, the disease has symptoms similar to dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever and can cause headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea and diarrhea. Vector bites tend to cause a lot of discomfort and allergic reactions. There is no specific treatment for the disease. Patients must remain at rest, with symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring.

• Avoid areas where there are many mosquitoes, if possible;
• Wear clothing that covers most of the body and apply repellent to exposed areas of the skin;
• Keep the house clean, removing possible mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water and accumulated leaves.

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