World's first death from Oropouche virus: What we know so far

NEW DELHI:

Brazil

has recorded the world's first-ever deaths from

Oropouche virus

, an unknown disease spread by the bites of infected

midges

and mosquitoes.
Two women on Thursday died in Bahia from the virus. Both the women were under 30 years in age, according to the Brazil health ministry.
The symptoms exhibited were similar to those of dengue, another

mosquito-borne virus

that is often confused with Oropouche.

Here is what we know about the virus so far.

What is Oropouche virus?
The virus was first discovered in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955 which is transmitted through the bites of midges, although it could be also spread through mosquitoes.
"It's very important to point out that, according to our current knowledge, the virus is not transmitted directly from human to human," Italian infectious disease researcher Concetta Castilletti told AFP.
This means that the disease is not contagious and the travellers visiting affected regions cannot transmit the virus elsewhere.

Authorities in Brazil are investigating recent reports that pregnant women could have transmitted the virus to their unborn children, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Brazilian authorities are investigating recent reports that suggest pregnant women could transmit the virus to their unborn children.
How far has the virus spread?
The cases have been so far reported in parts of

South America

, Central America and the Caribbean.
According to the Brazilian health ministry, Brazil has recorded 7,236 cases in 2024.
PAHO reported that over 7,700 cases of the Oropouche virus have been detected this year across five countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Cuba, and Colombia.
Symptoms
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus causes symptoms similar to those of dengue, including fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, headache, vomiting, nausea, chills, and sensitivity to light.
Meningitis is a life-threatening complication that could occur in severe cases.
There are no specific treatments or vaccines for the virus.
The best protection is to avoid getting bitten, protect oneself by midges and mosquitoes when in an affected area.
That includes covering up legs and arms, using strong bug repellent and fine-mesh mosquito nets, since midges can get through traditional nets, according to PAHO.
Could it be a potential epidemic?
As compared to other viruses like dengue, chikungunya, this virus is understudied and little understood.
A review published in The Lancet earlier this year described the virus as "a prototypical neglected disease." The review further said that the virus "has the potential to emerge as a significant threat" due to its ability to spread widely and cause serious health issues.
Castilletti's laboratory discovered the first two cases ever recorded in Europe in two unrelated passengers who had returned to Italy from a trip to Cuba earlier this year.
Because of the high numbers of travellers visiting the affected regions, "we can reasonably expect more cases" in Europe, she said.
Researchers have raised concerns that warmer temperatures driven by climate change are expanding the range of mosquitoes globally. This increase in mosquito distribution raises the potential spread of viruses such as Oropouche, Castilletti said.
'Expect the unexpected'
Castilletti emphasised the need for further research to understand how the virus affects various populations.
A test that can rapidly detect the virus at the "earliest possible stage" is also needed, Castilletti said.
She also called for regional, national and international health authorities to ramp up communication and preparedness to prevent potential outbreaks in the future.
"'Expect the unexpected', as the Covid-19 epidemic should have taught us," she added.