Dr Amir talks about blood types that attract mosquitoes
Health bodies are urging caution as a little-known disease has been linked to the first ever confirmed deaths from its infection in the world. Two young women have died after contracting Oropouche virus, a disease spread by midges and mosquitoes.
A number of miscarriages and birth defects caused by the virus have also been recorded in Brazil, where the deaths occurred.
It comes as the country has seen an alarming surge in cases of the Oropouche virus.
Already this year, 7,284 cases have been reported in Brazil, up from 832 in 2023.
This includes areas that have previously not been affected by the virus.
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Oropouche fever is spread by the bite of infected midges and mosquitoes (Image: Getty)
It has also been found in other countries with a total of 8,078 cases recorded in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba by the end of July.
Brazil’s health ministry confirmed the deaths of two women, aged 21 and 24, in Bahia state on July 25.
According to reports, they each developed sudden symptoms, which can include fever, body aches and headaches, resulting in fatal bleeding.
A potential third death, of a 57-year-old man, linked to the virus is currently under investigation.
Headache and fever are symptoms of oropouche fever (Image: Getty)
As reported by the Guardian, one of the women who died had sought help from health facilities on two occasions but had been discharged.
Márcia São Pedro, epidemiological surveillance director for Bahia, said: “This is related, I believe, to the fact that people assume everything is dengue.
“And because dengue is well known, they hydrate and send the patient home. We need to understand that this is not the case. We are in a different situation now.”
Officials in Brazil have also reported six possible cases of Oropouche being passed from mother-to-child during pregnancy.
Work is ongoing to understand the potential risks of infection during pregnancy.
If you experience symptoms after travelling you should seek medical advice (Image: Getty)
What is Oropouche virus?
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explains that Oropouche virus is spread through the bites of infected midges and mosquitoes.
According to the CDC, symptoms of Oropouche fever are similar to dengue and include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Stiff joints
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Sensitivity to light.
“Severe cases may result in neuroinvasive disease such as meningitis,” the CDC warns.
Symptoms typically start four to eight after being bitten and last three to six days, with most people recovering “without long-term effects”.
No specific medications or vaccines are available to treat or prevent the virus.
Warning to travellers
Travel Health Pro has issued a warning to people travelling to affected areas.
It says: “If you are planning to visit countries reporting arboviral infections including Oropouche virus (OROV), get travel health advice from your GP, practice nurse or a travel clinic, ideally at least four to six weeks before you travel.
“As other diseases such as Zika and malaria may exist in areas where Oropouche has been reported, pregnant women should discuss the potential risks of their travel plans with their health care provider.”
While you are away it advises trying to minimise the risk of being bitten by midges or mosquitoes.
It adds: “If you or anyone in your family become unwell with symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches following overseas travel, you should seek medical advice.
“It is important to tell your medical provider about any recent travel.”