SC confirms first cases of Oropouche fever, a disease similar to dengue fever

Maruim on the leg of a resident of Luiz Alves (Personal Archive)

Santa Catarina confirmed this Friday (26) the first three cases of Oropouche fever, a disease similar to dengue and whose main transmitter is the maruim mosquito. This is the first time that the virus has been identified in the State and, therefore, an investigation will be carried out. The three episodes took place in Botuverá, in the Itajaí Valley.

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According to information from the State Department of Health (SES), the residents, who are between 18 and 40 years old, showed symptoms of dengue in the first half of this month and sought medical attention. As the test showed that it was not the disease, blood samples were sent to a private laboratory, which confirmed Oropouche fever on Thursday (25).

The city hall notified the State and, now, both are investigating how to validate the diagnosis with a public health laboratory of national reference, as advised by the Ministry of Health in these situations. In parallel, the Department of Health began an epidemiological investigation. The agency will systematize important information on suspected and confirmed cases (such as movements, symptoms and clinical picture), collect mosquitoes and other actions to strengthen disease surveillance.

Find out what oropouche fever is, confused with dengue and causing an outbreak in AM

Until then, there were no records of people infected with the virus. Orthobunyavirus oropoucheense in the State, informed the SES. However, in the North of Brazil, the disease is known. Data from the Ministry of Health show that there was a significant increase in cases in the region compared to last year. In the whole of 2023 there were 832, while in the first quarter of 2024 there were more than 3.1 thousand, the majority in Amazonas, which declared an outbreak of the disease last month.

The three patients from Botuverá, however, said they had not traveled outside of Santa Catarina in recent weeks. They are doing well.

What is Oropouche fever

The viral disease was first identified in Brazil in 1960, from a blood sample from a sloth collected during the construction of the Belém-Brasília highway. Since then, isolated cases and outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, especially in states in the Amazon region.

The main vector, that is, the person who transmits it, is the maruim — a mosquito that Luiz Alves, also in the Itajaí Valley, declare an emergency situation due to the infestation this year. It is generally associated with regions with greater humidity and the presence of organic matter. After feeding on the blood of an infected person or animal, the virus remains in the mosquito for a few days. When it bites another person again, it can transmit the virus to them.

There are records, however, of other transmitting mosquitoes in urban areas, such as the Aedes serratus It is Culex quinquefasciatus (stilt). Among the characteristics of the virus is its high potential for dissemination, with the ability to cause outbreaks and epidemics. As with dengue, it is the female who is responsible for transmitting the virus. Orthobunyavirus through the bite. There is no vaccine and specific treatment available.

The incubation period of the virus in humans can vary between three and eight days after infection through the bite. Symptoms last from two days to a week, with progression without sequelae, says the federal government. The Ministry of Health has not confirmed any deaths from the disease to date.

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What are the symptoms

Easy to confuse with dengue, those infected experience headache, muscle pain, joint pain, dizziness, nausea, chills and diarrhea. As there is no vaccine or specific treatment, the doctor usually prescribes medication to minimize symptoms. Patients should remain at rest and drink plenty of water.

How to prevent

In general, the maruim is attracted to humidity, shade and organic matter. Therefore, it is important to keep land free from accumulated weeds. Additionally, using repellents and long clothing can help prevent bites.

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