Tropical diseases transmitted by insects are under close scrutiny, and after the appearance of cases of the Nile virus in Andalusia, health authorities are warning of the arrival of another virus, the Oropoche virus, which in this case originated in Cuba. Five cases have already been confirmed in travelers from Cuba in Spain, and although it is expected that there will be more due to the outbreak in several Latin American countries, the risk of transmission is very low because the mosquito that infects it, the hybrid, is not in our country. So far, outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago.
The five cases were confirmed among residents of Galicia, Andalusia, the Basque Country and Madrid, according to sources from the Health Ministry’s Coordination Center for Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES). All were imported from Cuba, except one from Brazil. Those infected had mild symptoms such as fever, muscle pain and rash, and all have recovered.
In addition to the cases reported this week in Spain, those also detected in other European countries such as Italy (three cases) and Germany (two cases), all coming from Cuba.
Oropouche virus is similar to dengue virus and is usually transmitted by the jején, also known as the black fly, an insect smaller than a mosquito that is common in South American countries and not found in Europe. Although there have been cases of transmission through mosquito bites.
Birds and wild mammals such as primates and sloths are its natural hosts; in humans it can present as an acute febrile illness (with headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain) lasting 4 to 8 days, although occasionally it can cause more serious symptoms such as bleeding and meningitis.
Experts point out the importance of taking strict measures to prevent the spread of mosquitoes and reduce the risk of their bites, as they are one of the main vectors of disease transmission, along with ticks and other insects.
Use of repellents
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“Alopecia cases usually present with mild symptoms,” notes Dr. Manuel Moro, head of the Immunology Department at the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia, but he nevertheless calls on “citizens traveling to Cuba to take strict precautions and use the repellents indicated for these areas.” He also explains that health workers must also “monitor” and pay more attention to travelers coming from these countries.
The Pan American Health Organization, part of the World Health Organization, issued an epidemic alert on August 1 to increase vigilance against the spread of the disease.
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