Six cases of Oropuche fever were detected in tourists returning from Cuba to Europe.
The The European Center for Infection Control (ECDC) is sounding the alarm, for the possible transfer of their work to Europe Oropuche fever, From tourists who traveled to Cuba and were bitten by insects carrying the virus.
Scientists note that three confirmed cases have been identified in the country Italy and much more Spain. Patients had symptoms including fever, joint pain and severe headaches. One of them had to be hospitalized.
As mentioned in ECDC weekly report The first case was reported in Italy June A traveler returning from the island of Cuba had to be hospitalized for a four-day stay. However, two more cases were later found in travelers returning to Italy from the same destination, but these cases showed milder symptoms.
In Spain, three cases were recorded within it july and they all presented the same thing symptoms, namely arthralgia, myalgia, rash and fever. Everyone is in good health today.
What is Oropuche fever caused by Oropoucheense virus
European health authorities are sounding the alarm. THE Oropuche disease, as they say, it is a zoonosis caused by oropucheense virus transmitted by insect bites. Tourists traveling to Cuba from Europe may be at risk of infection, although the risk is significantly reduced if all the precautions recommended by the authorities are taken.
It is the main vector of the virus insect Culicoides paraensis midge, It is not common in Europe, but in America.
European midges or mosquito species do not transmit the oropucheense virus, according to authorities. Therefore, to date the disease has not crossed the borders of the Americas, and no cases have been recorded in Europe. The wild birds and mammals are also considered natural hosts of the virus.
According to the ECDC, the cases in Europe may be related exclusively by travel and with travelers visiting areas at risk of disease transmission.
To date, cases of Oropuche fever have occurred in his countries South America and especially in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia), as well Caribbean Sea (Panama, Trinidad and Tobago).
According to a report by ECDC scientists, Hellas 1000-5000 visitors come to Cuba per year, so it is possible to detect a case in our country.
THE taking personal protective measures contains simple and popular instructions for protection against mosquito and midge bites.
How the disease manifests itself in humans
Oropouche virus disease can manifest itself in humans acute febrile illness (with headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain). more severe symptoms (hemorrhages and meningitis).