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For the first time, cases of Oropouche fever have occurred in Germany. Two people became infected with the tropical disease during a Caribbean holiday.
Frankfurt – Oropouche fever is currently spreading in South and Central America. People become infected with the virus of the same name through a mosquito bite (Culicoides paraensisThe first cases of the tropical disease have now been registered in this country.
Oropouche fever detected in Germany for the first time: Holidaymakers bring tropical disease with them
Two people from Saxony and Baden-Württemberg are affected, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on Thursday (1 August) in his current Epidemiological Bulletin The two infected people had independently vacationed in Cuba and contracted the virus there. They had already been infected at the end of June and beginning of July.
Two cases of Oropouche fever have been detected in Germany for the first time. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes or flies. © Olivier Arandel/imago
Those affected developed symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle, joint and limb pain while on vacation. Both also complained of a viral skin rash. Overall, however, the patients had an “uncomplicated clinical course,” according to the RKI.
Take warning signs seriously: These symptoms threaten Oropouche fever
According to the Tropical Institute, the first symptoms appear four to eight days after the bite. The symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever, of which increasing numbers of cases have also been reported in Europe recently. With Oropouche fever, the symptoms usually subside after three to six days.
These signs indicate Oropouche fever:
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle and joint pain
- Pain behind the eyes
- Photosensitivity
- skin rash
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Mouth and nose bleeding
In severe cases, however, complications such as meningitis or encephalitis can occur. The first deaths from the Oropouche virus were reported in Brazil this year. Two women, both under 30 years old, died from it for the first time. In addition, two infected pregnant women suffered miscarriages. According to the RKI, there are initial indications that the virus could cause malformations in unborn children.
Two cases of Oropouche fever in Germany: No specific treatment possible
What is particularly insidious about Oropouche fever is that the non-specific symptoms make it difficult to recognize the disease as such. “Sporadic courses can only be recognized by virological detection of the Oropouche virus,” the Tropical Institute informs.
Most people survive the infection without any long-term effects. There are no specific medications or vaccines. If no complications arise with Oropouche fever, it can be treated like the flu. This means that only the symptoms can be alleviated with painkillers and fever-reducing medications.
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There have been increasing outbreaks of Oropouche in South and Central America since the end of 2022. More than 7,000 cases have already been reported in Brazil this year. According to the RKI, the waves of infection are being intensified by changes in the ecosystem and climate change, among other things. At the same time, the infections could be better recognized as such thanks to improved laboratory capacities. Meanwhile, the Asian tiger mosquito is spreading further and further in Hesse.
Danger for pregnant women from Oropouche fever: This is what the RKI recommends
In Europe, the only cases reported in recent weeks have been those in which holidaymakers became infected after travelling. Spain and Italy reported a small number of Oropouche cases in travellers returning from Cuba and Brazil. As long as the endemic infection situation in South and Central America continues, further infections are to be expected in Germany, according to the RKI.
Holidaymakers in the tropics and subtropics are advised to ensure consistent protection against insect bites throughout the day. Long clothing, impregnated mosquito nets and mosquito spray are suitable for this. According to the RKI, pregnant women are also advised to avoid travel to areas currently affected by outbreaks. (which)
