Washington, DC, September 10, 2024 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently issued an update on Oropouche fever (OROV) in the Americas urging countries to strengthen surveillance and reinforce vector prevention and control measures the virus has been detected in areas where transmission had not been previously reported Deaths associated with the infection were also reported 1,774 additional cases of Oropouche have been reported in six countries increasing the total to 9,852 confirmed cases Brazil remains the most affected country with 7,931 cases and two deaths Other currently affected countries include Bolivia (356 cases) Imported cases have also been recorded in the United States (21 cases) and Canada (1 case) 30 imported cases have been documented in Europe a total of one fetal death and one case of congenital anomaly have been confirmed in Brazil additional investigations are being conducted on other fetal deaths Oropouche fever is a viral disease characterized by high fever it can cause more severe complications such as meningitis or encephalitis The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected midges small insects that usually bite during the day and inhabit humid areas with organic matter and in forested areas PAHO reiterates the importance of implementing preventive measures especially for pregnant women. These measures include: PAHO continues to monitor the situation and work closely with member countries to control the spread of the virus and minimize its impact on public health the Organization held a webinar focused on entomological surveillance and vector control of the Oropouche virus the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) in Brazil and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the discussed key aspects of surveillance and control of the Culicoides paraensis midge and other potential vector species involved in the transmission of OROV PAHO presented Provisional Guidelines for entomological surveillance and prevention measures for vectors of the Oropouche virus and processing of collected entomological material To view the webinar recording, click here Get our news on your inbox! Suscribe x MercoPress, en Español Montevideo, May 5th 2025 - 11:56 UTC is extending in Brazil and has become of concern to the country’s Public Health Ministry since it was circumscribed to the Amazon Region but has now been reported in at least 22 states and 11.000 cases during the first half of December Among the states involved are Espiritu Santo and even to the southern areas of Parana and Rio Grande do Su the country has been facing a significant increase of diseases caused by the arbovirus orthobunyavirus oropoucheense (OROV) and which is transmitted to humans mainly through the Culicoides paraensis mosqutoe better known in Brazil as the “maruim” or “mosquito-pólvora” The virus was first detected in Brazil in the sixties of the last century following blood tests in labor working on the highway Belem/Brasilia lasting three to seven days and can be mistaken for other mosquito transmitted virus diseases such as zika Death cases have been reported in several states and others are under monitoring According to the Health ministry authorities there are no specific medicines to combat the disease to contain nausea and vomits plus intense hydration and rest Several cases of ‘vertical’ transmission have been identified (pregnant woman to fetus) plus a limited number of cases with congenital anomalies Finally the Health ministry reported there are no specific vaccines to combat oropouche but the federal government is supplying the requesting states immunity vaccines for mosquito transmitted diseases and since November at least eleven states and the Federal District (Brasilia) have requested such immunity elements” Commenting for this story is now closed.If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced the resumption of some 14 000 infrastructure works that have been halted throughout the country “I am announcing that more than 14 000 works paralyzed over the last few years will be back in operation,” noting that this “will generate income consumption and quality of life for the benefit of the poor.” The President’s statements were made during a visit to the expansion works of a highway that crosses the entire northeast of the country in the town of Maruim these works have generated a thousand jobs which “will make the giant wheel of the economy turn again.” we kicked off the resumption of more than 14 000 stopped works We are rebuilding the country’s growth and development policies Brazil needs to work again and the people deserve more quality of life The Brazilian President also referred to a social subsidy plan aimed at the poorest families which is expected to be announced next week It involves the provision of some 120 dollars per month and an additional 30 dollars for each child who attends school regularly women and children with love and not hate,” said Lula criticized the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) Lula called the Bolsonaro administration a government of lies “Brazil will once again be a country of truth,” said the leader of the Workers’ Party (PT).