A few days ago, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the Oropuche fevera virus that, along with dengue disease, generates great concern among Colombians.
According to the organization, this virus is transmitted to humans mainly by mosquito bite Culicoides paraensis and produces a condition similar to dengue.
(Read: This is the disease that attacks women in a higher proportion).
To date, more than 37 confirmed cases of the virus nationwide; 35 of the cases were reported in the Amazon, with other isolated cases in the departments of Caquetá and Meta.
Some departments have already ruled out the presence of this virus. However, the authorities issue prevention and control recommendations vector as measures to prevent spread.
(More: Be careful: What respiratory syncytial virus is and how you can deal with it.)
Sandra Yadid Patiño Romero, biologist from the Vector-Borne Diseases (ETV) program, pointed out regarding this disease that: “It is crucial that the population knows that the symptoms of the oropouche virus are similar to those of dengue, making initial identification difficult. The only way to confirm the diagnosis is through laboratory tests.“.
Therefore, it is recommended that anyone who presents with fever, nausea, general discomfort or redness on the skin immediately go to the doctor so that he or she can perform the corresponding tests and determine what they are suffering from.
(See: What is the reason for the wave of flu infections in the country in the midst of the El Niño phenomenon).
Dengue
PHOTO: iStock
Recommendations to prevent the virus
For their part, the Authorities recommend carrying out different cleaning practices to prevent and reduce the risk of contagionamong which are:
– Properly cover the water storage tanks, so they will remain free of eggs and larvae.
– Wash and brush with hypochlorite (once a week) the containers where water is stored, such as tanks, swimming pools, buckets, vases, fountains or water basins.
– Eliminate stagnant water from containers, puddles, tires, bottles, plastics, tree leaves and other objects around your home.
– Give proper management to the channels on roofs and sheds, breeding sites can also form there.
of mosquitoes.
– Pick up all trash that may contain water.
(Read: They find a man infected with a virus that infects horses in Darién).
– Wear appropriate clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
– Use repellents on uncovered areas of the body.
– Make proper use of mosquito nets and window blinds.
– Change the water in the animals’ drinkers daily.
– Follow the instructions of the health authorities that visit your area.
According to data from the National Institute of Health (INS), The symptoms of oropouche fever are similar to those of mild to moderate dengue.
“After an incubation period of 5 to 7 days, the infected person begins with a sudden episode of high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain. Complications are very rare.”said Prieto.
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