Brazil confirms world’s first deaths from Oropouche fever

Brazil has confirmed two deaths from Oropouche fever. They are also the first recorded cases of the disease in the world’s scientific literature, the Ministry of Health stated.

The victims were two women under 30 years old who lived in Bahia state and had no comorbidities. Their symptoms were similar to those of severe dengue fever.

Oropouche fever is caused by a virus and transmitted mainly by the Culicoides paraenses mosquito, locally known as maruim. The symptoms of the fever are similar to those of dengue and Chikungunya.

The authorities are still investigating whether another death in Santa Catarina state, in South Brazil, is linked to the disease. They are also examining whether four cases of miscarriage and two cases of microcephaly in babies are related to Oropouche fever in Pernambuco, Bahia, and Acre.

This year, more than 7,200 cases of the illness have been recorded across 20 states, most of which in Amazonas and Rondônia, states in the Brazilian Amazon.

Since 2023, diagnostic tests have been available in public health care facilities countrywide. As a result, cases are also being identified throughout Brazil.

The virus

Orthobunyavirus oropoucheense, the virus that causes the Oropouche fever, was first isolated in Brazil in 1960. Since then, isolated cases and outbreaks have been reported, mainly in the Amazon region. Reports were also made in other Central and South American countries, such as Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

No specific treatment is available. Efforts to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the disease should include avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present, wearing long clothes and repellent, keeping plots of land clean, and using door and window screens.