Oropouche virus emerges in Europe: what you need to know
The Oropouche virus, sometimes called the “sloth virus,” has made its first headlines in Europe. This emerging virus, previously confined to the Americas, has been found in travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil. Cases have been reported in Spain, Italy, and Germany in recent months.
Understanding the Oropouche Virus
The Oropouche virus is a Zika-like pathogen which can cause symptoms such as sudden fever, muscle aches, skin rash and eye pain. The disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and midges, usually causes mild illness in most people. However, in about 4% of cases it can cause more serious neurological symptoms, including inflammation of the spinal cord and brain. Most people affected recover within a few days to a month.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the virus on pregnancy. Recent reports from Brazil suggest a possible link between Oropouche virus and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pregnancy loss and microcephaly. However, the link has not been definitively established and research is ongoing.
Transmission and risk factors
The Oropouche virus was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955 and has since caused outbreaks in South America and the Caribbean. It is spread primarily by bites from the Culicoides paraensis mosquito species and, to a lesser extent, midges. In Europe, where these vectors are not present, the risk of local transmission is very low. The virus does not spread directly from person to person, further reducing the risk of outbreaks in Europe.
Precautions for travelers
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advises travellers to areas where Oropouche virus is common to take preventive measures. These include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets. Although there is no vaccine for Oropouche virus, these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
While the exact risks of Oropouche virus during pregnancy are still unclear, the safety recommendations for Zika virus, which is known to cause similar problems, also apply to reduce the risk of both infections.
