Oropouche Virus from Sloths Rapidly Spreads in Europe
The Oropouche virus, originating from sloths and spread by midges, has surfaced in Europe. Nineteen cases were detected in Spain, Italy, and Germany. The virus, without a vaccine, can cause headaches, nausea, and muscle pain, with recovery often in four days, but has recently caused deaths in Brazil.
The Oropouche virus, a debilitating disease originating from sloths and transmitted by midges, has been reported in Europe for the first time.
Between June and July, 19 cases were detected in Europe, including 12 in Spain, five in Italy, and two in Germany.
The virus, spread primarily through insect bites, shares a family with Zika and Dengue Fever, but currently has no vaccine.
Dr. Danny Altmann from Imperial College London raised concerns about the potential for an unstoppable spread.
Cases have previously occurred in South and Central America and the Caribbean, with outbreaks recently recorded in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba.
In Europe, 18 of the 19 cases involved recent travel to Cuba, and one to Brazil.
Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain, with recovery often occurring after four days.
However, two deaths were recently reported in Brazil.
More than 8,000 cases were reported in South and Central America and Cuba between January and mid-July.
The ECDC rates the risk of infection for EU travelers to affected areas as moderate and encourages protective measures against insect bites.
Between June and July, 19 cases were detected in Europe, including 12 in Spain, five in Italy, and two in Germany.
The virus, spread primarily through insect bites, shares a family with Zika and Dengue Fever, but currently has no vaccine.
Dr. Danny Altmann from Imperial College London raised concerns about the potential for an unstoppable spread.
Cases have previously occurred in South and Central America and the Caribbean, with outbreaks recently recorded in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba.
In Europe, 18 of the 19 cases involved recent travel to Cuba, and one to Brazil.
Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain, with recovery often occurring after four days.
However, two deaths were recently reported in Brazil.
More than 8,000 cases were reported in South and Central America and Cuba between January and mid-July.
The ECDC rates the risk of infection for EU travelers to affected areas as moderate and encourages protective measures against insect bites.
