What is Oropouche virus and should we be worried about it?

Cases of the Oropouche virus are spreading

The virus has been rapidly spreading in Latin America and two women sadly passed away from the virus in Brazil.

Two people in Europe have been diagnosed with the virus. A 26-year-old woman from Verona contracted the virus after a two-week trip to Cuba’s Ciego de Ávila province.

A 45-year-old man from Italy quickly developed symptoms after he travelled to Havana and Santiago de Cuba in early June.

But what exactly is the Oropouche virus?

The Oropouche virus is spread through bites of infected midges and mosquitoes.

It is most common in Central and South America, but cases have been spreading in Europe.

The main symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headaches, vomiting, chills, sensitivity to light, and stiff joints.

Patients may also suffer from diarrhea and nausea.

In severe cases, some patients may suffer from neuroinvasive diseases like meningitis.

Two women, aged in their 20s, suffered from bleeding, acute abdominal pain, and hypotension before dying from the virus in July.

Symptoms will appear between four and eight days after being bitten.

They tend to last for three to six days, but symptomatic treatment is only available.

Medical experts advise against taking aspirin because it reduces blood clotting. It may also aggravate the hemorrhagic effects and prolong recovery time.

No cases have been diagnosed in Ireland as of yet.

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