Panama: Oropouche cases rise in Darién
In a follow-up on the Oropouche situation in Panama, the Ministry of Health (Minsa), through the Epidemiology department, reported that up to week 6, 153 cases of the Oropouche Virus have been confirmed in Darien and Eastern Panama.
Blas Armién, head of the Epidemiology Department of the Minsa, explained that, of these 153 cases, 151 have been detected in Darién and 2 cases in the Tortí de Chepo district.
Armién said that the Minsa has redoubled epidemiological surveillance and recommends that the population use insect repellent, mosquito nets and clothing that covers the arms and legs, and eliminate weeds and stagnant water.
The symptoms of Oropouche fever are similar to those of dengue fever and usually appear 3 to 8 days after the bite of the infected insect. They include high fever, headache (often behind the eyes), muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, chills and general malaise.
Oropouche virus disease is a febrile infection caused by the bite of Culicoides biting midge and Culex mosquitoes (known as “jején”), which live in jungle areas.
There are currently no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for Oropouche fever. Management of the disease is symptomatic, focusing on pain relief and rehydration.
To date, there have been no deaths from Oropouche fever in Panama.