Mysterious virus first time detected in Europe, no vaccine available
Mysterious virus detected in Europe (photo: pixabay)
The mysterious Oropouche virus, previously known mostly in South America, has been detected in Europe for the first time, reports Strona Zdrowia.
What is known about the new virus
The case was diagnosed in a traveler in Italy. Recent data suggests the virus may be more dangerous than previously thought.
The Oropouche virus (OROV) is common in tropical regions of Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. It is primarily transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides species), but can also be spread by some mosquito species (Culex, Aedes).
What are the symptoms?
The illness caused by the virus, known as Oropouche fever, is characterized by a sudden high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few days.
However, in some cases, the virus can lead to more serious neurological complications such as meningitis or encephalitis (brain inflammation). Previously, the Oropouche virus was considered to have low mortality. However recent data from Peru, where there has been a sharp increase in cases in recent years, indicates that the mortality rate among hospitalized patients with neurological complications can reach as high as 18%.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Oropouche fever. Only symptomatic treatment is used to relieve symptoms. In addition, there is no vaccine for this virus.
The case in Italy was confirmed by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany. Health authorities emphasize that the risk of the virus spreading in Europe is currently assessed as low, as this is an imported case from an endemic region.
However, experts warn that in the context of climate change and globalization, the appearance of the virus in Europe serves as a reminder of the need to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of infectious diseases, especially those transmitted by vectors, which could potentially establish themselves in new regions.
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