The emergence of the Oropouche virus, a debilitating illness originating from pale-throated sloths and transmitted by insect bites, has raised alarm bells in Europe following reports of 19 human cases in recent months. The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) indicates that this potentially deadly virus, which shares a family with Zika and Dengue, could spread rapidly due to its lack of available vaccines. With cases identified in Spain, Italy, and Germany—often linked to recent travel to endemic regions—experts warn that the situation could escalate to an "unstoppable" outbreak. As symptoms like headaches, nausea, and, in severe cases, meningitis manifest within days of infection, public health authorities are urging travelers to adopt preventive measures to safeguard against this emerging threat.
According to the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC), the Oropouche virus has been reported in 19 people in the past two months.
Experts have raised the alarm about the potentially deadly disease warning that its spread could become ‘unstoppable’ because there are no vaccines for the disease…..yet
The virus which originates in pale-throated sloths, non-human primates and birds.
The Mail Online reports: Twelve were reported in Spain, five in Italy, and two in Germany. There is no vaccine for the disease which originates in pale-throated sloths, non-human primates and birds.
Experts say the virus comes from the same family of diseases as Zika virus and Dengue, which are both potentially deadly.
Tell-tale signs of Oropouche include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pains.
Dr Danny Altmann, a professor of Immunology at Imperial College London, told The Telegraph: ‘We should definitely be worried. Things are changing and may become unstoppable.’
Symptoms typically start four to eight days after being bitten and in severe cases illness can result in meningitis, according to the NHS Travax website.
Although potentially deadly, the ECDC said fatal outcomes are extremely rare and recovery from the disease is common. In most cases symptoms subside within four days.
Outbreaks of the virus to date have been reported in several countries across South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
In 2024 specific outbreaks have been recorded in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and more recently in Cuba.
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Eighteen of the cases recorded in Europe reported recent travel to Cuba and one case in Italy had travelled to Brazil.
According to a report in the Lancet, on July 25 two deaths caused by Oropouche were reported for the first time in Brazil in two young women who had no other underlying health conditions.
Although the cases remain low in Europe, between January and mid-July this year more than 8,000 cases have been recorded in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Columbia and Cuba.
Due to these high numbers the ECDC has said the likelihood of infection for EU citizens travelling to or residing in epidemic areas is currently assessed as moderate.
The European authority is advising those travelling to affected areas to wear insect repellent and long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to reduce the risk of bites.
PT: The emergence of the Oropouche virus in Europe marks a significant public health concern, particularly given its link to sloths and potential for spread through insect bites. The recent identification of 19 cases across Spain, Italy, and Germany highlights how quickly such diseases can travel, especially with human mobility.
Oropouche belongs to the same viral family as Zika and Dengue, both known for their severe health impacts. This connection raises alarms among health experts, especially since there are currently no vaccines available. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and joint pain can escalate to more severe conditions like meningitis, which is particularly concerning given the recent deaths reported in Brazil.
The fact that most European cases were linked to recent travel in endemic regions indicates a need for vigilance among travelers. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has rightly recommended preventive measures, such as wearing insect repellent and protective clothing, to mitigate infection risks.
While the transmission of Oropouche to the UK remains uncertain, the potential for outbreaks cannot be overlooked, especially as global travel continues to increase. The situation calls for ongoing monitoring and research to better understand the virus and develop effective preventive strategies.
