Panama reports first Oropouche fever death
In a follow-up on the Oropouche fever outbreak in Panama, The Ministry of Health (Minsa), through the Epidemiology department, reported that through the end of February, 221 cases of the Oropouche Virus were registered in Darien, East Panama and Metro Panama.
Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo confirmed the first death from the Oropouche virus in an 82-year-old man with a history of high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus, who recently traveled to the province of Darien.
The official say he presented symptoms of neurological deterioration and was hospitalized with an initial diagnosis of neuroinfection. During his hospitalization, complementary studies were performed, including analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, which confirmed infection with the Oropouche virus.
The Oropouche Virus Report indicates that the cases are distributed in the regions of: Darién with 207 cases, followed by Panama East with 13 cases and Panama Metro with 1 case.
The districts and towns that present cases of this virus are: Pinogana with 146, Santa Fe with 42, Cèmaco with 12, Chepigana with 7, Chepo with 13 and Pacora with 1 case.
Cases by age, the highest number is reported in people between 35 and 49 years old.
By sex, the cases are distributed as follows: 106 men and 115 women.
The Ministry of Health has stepped up 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 between 3 and 8 days after the bite of the infected insect. They include high fever, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, chills and general malaise. The clinical picture may recur days later.
Oropouche virus disease is a febrile infection caused by the bite of the Culicoides (known as “biting midge”) and Culex mosquitoes, which inhabit 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.
The Ministry of Health recommends that people go to health centers if they have fever and severe headache.