14 minutes agoAuthor: Gaurav Tiwari
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These days the world is afraid of two types of viruses. One is the Monkeypox virus, whose new name is Mpox and the other is the Oropoch virus. It is also called Sloth Fever.
After affecting many parts of Africa, M-Pox is now spreading to other countries as well. While the Oropouche virus is spreading in many countries of the world including America. People have now become quite cautious about M-Pox, but Oropouche has increased the concerns of health experts.
Until some time ago, the Oropoch virus was like an unknown disease because its range was very limited. This disease mainly spread in the area around the Amazon of South America. In the last days of the year 2023, some genetic changes occurred in this virus and now it has started spreading beyond its normal range.
A total of 8000 cases of this virus have been reported in South America till August 1 this year. This disease is also spreading in many countries of Europe. Although no case of this has been reported in India yet, health experts are advising to be cautious about it. Even after many researches and studies, it is still difficult to say anything very clearly about the Oropoch virus. That is why it is also being called a mysterious virus.
so today ‘health report‘ We will talk about the Oropoch virus. Along with this, we will know that-
- What are its symptoms and how does it spread?
- Why is it called sloth fever?
- What are the measures to avoid this?
What is Oropouche Virus Disease?
This is a viral infection, which spreads due to the bite of a midge or mosquito. A midge is a kind of small insect, which does not come in the species of fly or mosquito. It is common in Central and South America these days. Recently, its cases have been reported rapidly in Cuba. The Oropoch virus causes flu-like symptoms including fever and body ache. Most people do not face any serious problem due to this. However, in some cases, swelling in the brain has also been seen due to this.
What are the symptoms of Oropoch
Due to infection with this virus, people may experience headaches, muscle pain, stiffness in joints and sensitivity to light. Apart from this, flu-like fever along with chills, nausea and vomiting may also occur. See the graphic for the types of symptoms that usually occur.
- In severe cases, it can also cause meningitis i.e. swelling of the brain. Usually its symptoms are similar to other mosquito-borne diseases. Just like dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus and malaria.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms typically begin three to 10 days after infection and may last for three to six days after that.
- In 60% of patients infected with this disease, symptoms may reappear after a few days or weeks. However, it is not yet clear what is the reason behind the recurrence of symptoms.
What are its complications
The Oropouche virus can sometimes cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of its covering (meningitis). If a woman is pregnant and she becomes infected with the Oropouche virus, the following risks may increase:
- There is a risk of miscarriage.
- Stillbirth may occur.
- Microcephaly or other congenital conditions may develop.
- In microcephaly, the size of the baby’s brain is much smaller than normal. This happens due to obstruction in brain development during pregnancy.
Is Oropouche Virus Disease contagious
So far there is no scientific evidence that this virus is spreading from one person to another. According to the current information, this disease occurs only due to the bite of a mosquito or midge that is carrying this virus.
However, so far scientists have been able to understand the reason for its spread in different parts of the world, that due to genetic mutation, these mosquitoes and midges are now being born in many parts of the world and are infecting people by biting them.
This virus can spread from one human to another in only one situation and that is from a pregnant woman to her child. The child may have defects due to this virus. He may suffer from congenital abnormalities. Sometimes he may even die in the foetus stage.
How it’s treated
There are no antiviral drugs to treat the Oropouche virus. The same medicines are used for its treatment, which are given to cure any such infection, such as acetaminophen. These medicines help in reducing the symptoms of the virus.
For its treatment, medicines like Aspirin or Ibuprofen should not be used at all. Consult a doctor once before taking any kind of medicine.
Why is Oropoch called sloth fever
It is believed that the Oropoch virus was first spread by wild animals called howler monkeys. After this, it was found in yellow-necked sloths in Brazil in the year 1960. Sloth is a herbivorous mammal found in South and Central America, which looks somewhat like a monkey.
This virus came into the news after it was found in the body of a sloth. That is why it is also called sloth fever. However, after this, this virus has been found in many wild animals.
What are the measures to avoid Oropoch virus
The best way to reduce your risk is to protect yourself from bug bites.
- For this, you can use any insect repellent at home, which contains DEET or other elements. This can help in keeping mosquitoes and insects away.
- If you are in a place where there is a high probability of biting insects, then wear full-sleeved clothes. Wear long pants, full-sleeved shirts and socks.
- If water is stagnant in any vessel around the house or in the house for many days, then remove it. Regular cleaning of drains around the house is also necessary.
- Install fine mesh on the windows and doors of the house.
- Keep the windows and doors of the house closed as much as possible, so that mosquitoes do not enter the house.
- If you are in an area where Orpoch virus infection is common, sleep under a mosquito net at night.
- If there is a pregnant woman in the house, then it is important to take extra care of her because the greatest danger is to the baby growing in the womb.
