Shocker! Multinational CDC Alert: Another "High Risk" Virus Rampages Infecting Thousands!

Recently, another virus called Oropouche Virus has ravaged the Americas, causing alarm around the world!

Today, the world is witnessing a surge in mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile virus. The recent emergence of the Oropouche virus has already caused two deaths in Brazil, as well as the first deaths globally, highlighting the threat posed by the disease.

According to a combination of English-language media reports, this is an emerging infection caused by Oropouche virus (OROV), which is spread by the bite of blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes and grasshoppers, leading to acute illness.

Symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever and include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash. In severe cases, meningitis or encephalitis can develop.

Originally discovered during an outbreak of febrile illness in the Caribbean nation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Oropouche virus has since been found in several South and Central American countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Panama, where it has caused severe epidemics.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of Oropouche fever usually appear 4-8 days after infection. The onset is sudden and accompanied by fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, chills, and often nausea and vomiting. While most cases resolve within a week, severe cases can lead to meningitis, which can take weeks to recover from.

The two Brazilian patients who died from Oropouche virus were reportedly 21- and 24-year-old women with no prior underlying health problems, who both developed "symptoms very similar to those of severe dengue fever" after falling ill, including fever, headache and body aches.

Four days after first experiencing symptoms, the 21-year-old female patient began bleeding from her nose, lower body, and gums. She died two days later after being taken to the hospital; another 24-year-old woman died of cardiac arrest hours after being admitted.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oropouche virus is usually a self-limiting illness, with most patients making a full recovery within a week. However, in some cases, the disease can be more severe.

Symptoms such as fatigue and general malaise may last up to a month after the initial infection. It is important to note that despite the possibility of severe illness, the vast majority of patients make a full recovery with no long-term health consequences. Deaths from this virus are extremely rare.

Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Oropouche fever, and treatment focuses on controlling symptoms through painkillers, fever-reducing medications, and adequate fluids.

The World Health Organization suggests a number of preventative measures, including the use of mosquito nets and insect repellent equipment.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert calling on countries to strengthen surveillance and laboratory diagnosis of Oropouche virus.

This call comes after a recent increase in cases, the spread of the disease to new areas, and the report of the first infection-related death. As of the end of July 2024, 8,078 confirmed cases of Oropouche fever have been reported in the Americas, including two deaths.

Cases have been reported in 5 countries; Bolivia (356 cases), Brazil (7,284 cases, including 2 deaths), Colombia (74 cases), Cuba (74 cases) and Peru (290 cases).

Although the disease has historically been described as mild, the geographic distribution of its spread and the emergence of more severe cases underscore the need for increased surveillance and warnings.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Level 1 Travel Warning.

Currently, the virus appears to be "marching" towards North America, with the Cuban Ministry of Public Health reporting an outbreak of Oropouche virus, the first time the virus has been detected in Cuba.

Canada has updated its travel warning for Cuba, reminding people to "exercise extreme caution" when traveling to the country.

The warning states that Cuba is facing a severe shortage of basic necessities and an outbreak of a viral disease similar to dengue fever for which there is no available vaccine.

The Canadian government advises that travelers should be as self-sufficient as possible given the shortage of local supplies. It is recommended that essentials such as water, snacks and basic medications be carried. To prevent Oropouche fever, use an EPA-approved insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats, which can reduce the risk of bites.

If you develop symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Meanwhile, Canada is also reminding travelers to Brazil to "exercise a high degree of caution".

In a notice alerting people to Oropouche virus in the Americas, the Canadian government wrote that while Oropouche fever has been detected in the Americas before, the number of cases has been higher than expected in recent days, and cases have been reported in areas of Brazil, Bolivia, and Cuba, where there have never been cases before.

The notice also reads, "Upon returning to Canada, please continue to monitor your health. If you develop symptoms of Oropouche fever, seek medical attention and tell your doctor where you have been. "