ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.
Source- This post on the Oropouche fever has been created based on the article “Death in Brazil: What is Oropouche fever?” published in “Indian Express” on 31 July 2024.
Why in the news?
On July 25, 2024, Brazil’s health ministry reported the first deaths from Oropouche fever in the state of Bahia, with two people having died from the disease.
About Oropouche fever
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. Oropouche fever is an emerging zoonotic arboviral disease caused by the Oropouche Virus (OROV). 2. The virus was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. |
| Transmission | 1. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected midge, particularly the Culicoides paraensis midge, or sometimes through mosquitoes. 2. Urbanization, deforestation, and climate change increase the number of these insects, raising the risk of transmission. 3. There is no evidence that Oropouche fever spreads from person to person. |
| Symptoms | 1. Symptoms typically begin four to eight days after being bitten. 2. Sudden onset of fever, headaches, pain, chills, joint stiffness, and occasionally nausea and vomiting. The symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever. |
| Treatment | There are currently no vaccines available for Oropouche fever. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and aiding recovery rather than curing the disease. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
