Oropouche Virus: An Emerging Zoonotic Disease

What is Oropouche Virus?

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an arthropod-transmitted Orthobunyavirus that causes Oropouche fever, an emerging zoonotic disease.

It belongs to the Bunyavirales order and is one of the most common arboviruses infecting humans in Brazil.

Oropouche Fever

Symptoms

Oropouche fever typically manifests within 3-10 days after infection, with symptoms lasting 4-10 days.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Myalgia

Other symptoms that may occur include:

• Arthralgia
• Rash
• Nausea

Transmission

OROV is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, particularly species within the genus Culex.

These mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected non-human primates, which serve as the primary reservoir hosts.

Distribution

Oropouche fever is endemic to the Amazon basin, especially in Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru.

However, the virus is spreading to new areas due to climate change, which is enabling the range expansion of its mosquito vectors.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific treatment for Oropouche fever, and management focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms.

Prevention measures include:

• Using mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535
• Wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants when outdoors
• Using mosquito nets
• Reducing mosquito breeding sites around homes