Oropouche Fever Continues in Cuba - Update

The Ministry of Health Department of Communicable Diseases has registered slightly more than 23,600 suspected and confirmed cases of Oropouche fever. A small number of cases have symptoms of encephalitis (brain inflammation). Cases have occurred in 74% of the country’s municipalities and 100% of provinces.

建議

The virus that causes Oropouche Fever is usually transmitted in the Amazon Basin of South America where it may cause large and explosive disease outbreaks. A new strain of this virus that is more transmissible is spreading and causing major outbreaks in several countries in the Americas. 

The virus is transmitted through mosquito, tick and midge bites. When these insects become infected with the virus, the virus can be transmitted to animals (sloths, marsupials, primates, birds) and humans through the insect bite. Transmission to humans is primarily by the bite of the midge. The bite of the midge carrying Oropouche virus feels like a sharp prick and an irritation or lump may appear and last for a few hours or days. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, chills and vomiting.

Avoiding contact with infected midges, especially during the rainy season, is the primary preventative measure. Avoid insect breeding sites (swamps, stagnant water, marshes, decomposing vegetation etc.). If possible, use insect repellent containing 20 percent or more of DEET and wear protective clothing to cover exposed skin. This advice may be important to follow during pregnancy since spread to the unborn child may be possible.