Oropouche is found throughout Brazil, except for five states — MercoPress

Oropouche is distributed throughout Brazil, except for five states.

Brazil records world’s first death from Cyclone Oropouche this year

Brazil’s Ministry of Health issued a health bulletin on Friday saying that Oropouche fever has spread throughout the country and is only found in five states: Brasilia, Goiás, Paraná, Rio Grande do Norte and Rio Grande do Sul, according to the Brazilian News Agency.

As of the beginning of this week, Brazil had recorded 7,653 cases of Ebola, including two deaths, according to the Arbovirus Surveillance Group.

Amazonas is the state with the most cases of Oropouche fever, with 3,228 cases, followed by Rondônia (1,710), Bahia (844), Espírito Santo (441) and Acre (270).

In July, the Ministry of Health confirmed two deaths from Oropouche fever in Bahia. Prior to this, no deaths from the disease had been reported in the global scientific literature.

According to the Ministry of Health, both patients are female, under 30 years old, with no comorbidities. Both patients showed signs and symptoms similar to severe dengue fever.

Eight cases of potential vertical transmission of Oropouche fever (transmission of the infection from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth) remain under investigation in the states of Pernambuco, Bahia and Acre.

Half of the babies affected were born with congenital malformations, including microcephaly, while the other half did not survive. In addition, one case of fetal death is being investigated in the state of Ceará.

Oropouche fever is transmitted by Culicoides, also known as the biting midge or gunpowder midge. Given its attraction to organic matter, it is recommended to keep your yard clean by removing leaves and organic waste. In addition, wearing long-sleeved and long-legged clothing and closed-toe shoes in areas with high insect presence can help reduce the risk of infection.