Dominican Republic MOH issues epidemiological alert for Oropouche
Dominican Republic MOH issues epidemiological alert for Oropouche
Nearly 10,000 cases reported in 6 countries
On August 28, health officials in the Dominican Republic issued an epidemiological alert to strengthen surveillance throughout the national territory after the detection of the Oropouche virus in samples stored in the seroteca of the Dr. Defillo National Reference Laboratory, which had initially tested negative for dengue, but which, after a re-evaluation, were positive for Oropouche.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Dominican Republic has recorded 33 total cases through September 6.
The alert is issued as a preventive measure for monitoring and control in response to the identification of the virus, intensifying surveillance and awareness-raising actions in the community to prevent its spread.
According to the PAHO, Oropouche transmission has been reported in six countries, including the Dominican Republic— Brazil (7,931 cases and two deaths), Bolivia (356 cases), Colombia (74 cases), Cuba (506 cases), Peru (930 cases), increasing the total to 9,852 confirmed cases through September 6.
Regarding mother-to-child transmission, a total of one fetal death and one case of congenital anomaly have been confirmed in Brazil. Currently, additional investigations are being conducted on other fetal deaths, miscarriages, and congenital anomalies.
Oropouche is a disease caused by Oropouche virus. It is spread through the bites of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes.
Symptoms of Oropouche include headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light. Severe cases may result in neuroinvasive disease such as meningitis.
Symptoms typically start 3–10 days after being bitten and last 3–6 days. Most people recover without long-term effects. There is no specific treatment for Oropouche.