Get to know “Oropush Fever,” a group of symptoms similar to dengue fever.

After a report from the Brazilian Ministry of Health on July 25, 2024, the first 2 deaths of Oropouche Fever patients in the world were found in Brazil Information as of July 23, 2024 It was reported that a total of 7,236 patients in Brazil. representing a case fatality rate of 0.03 percent The two female deaths, under 30 years of age, had no underlying diseases.

History of illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever The patient lives in the state of Bahia. north-eastern brazil which has Orophus fever Found mainly in Latin American and Caribbean countries. In June 2024, cases were reported in Bolivia, Peru, Cuba, and Colombia In Thailand, no cases have been reported so far.

Experience Orophus Fever

Orophus fever is not an emerging infectious disease. It is caused by an infection with a virus called Oropouche virus (OROV). Cases have been reported in South America (such as Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia) and the Caribbean (such as Panama, Trinidad, and Tobago) The disease has a general incubation period of 4-8 days Symptoms include have high fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, eye pain, and rash About 16 percent have hemorrhagic symptoms (such as bleeding spots, nosebleeds, and scurvy) and encephalitis (Meningoencephalitis) has been reported but it is rare.

Spread of disease

Insects are vectors. The main carrier of the disease is the gnat ( Culicoides paraensis ), which is found mainly in America. And some mosquitoes can be carriers of the OROV virus, such as Culex quinquefasciatus, Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Mansonia venezuelensis and Aedes serratus Currently, there are no reports that gnats are the main vector in Thailand. There are also no reports in Southeast Asian countries. And no evidence of human-to-human transmission has been found.

Tourists who travel to areas with outbreaks are probably the main risk of finding infected people in Thailand. The potential is still very low. In addition, the severity of the disease is very low. Epidemiological experts said that the risk of this disease going out in Thailand is very low. But caution must be exercised among those who travel to such countries. You should protect yourself from being bitten by insects and mosquitoes. Check for symptoms about 2 weeks after returning from a high-risk area If you are sick, the symptoms are similar to dengue fever, which is a high fever. Headaches, chills, muscle pain, and joint pain should be seen by a doctor immediately.

Advice for people traveling to countries where outbreaks of this disease have been reported, especially countries in South America and the Caribbean, as follows:

1) Protect yourself while traveling in such foreign countries. You should wear long shirts and pants. To prevent mosquito and gnat bites

2) Apply mosquito repellent lotion. And avoid places with a lot of mosquitoes or insects.

3) If you return to Thailand and have symptoms of high fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, eye pain, and rash, please contact international infectious disease control officials immediately. and hurry to see a doctor Report travel history to continue monitoring and controlling the disease