The Atlantic Health Secretariat delivered a statement of tranquility to the department, since at the moment there is no scientific evidence of the presence of the Oropouche virus in the territory.
The Secretary of Health of Atlántico, Luis Carlos Fajardo Jordán, alerted the population to be attentive if they present symptoms such as those mentioned so that they approach medical services, since it could be dengue.
He indicated that the Department’s Epidemiological Surveillance System (SIVIGILA) has analyzed serological samples, but none has detected the presence of this virus, which is transmitted by the Culicoides Paraensis mosquito, however surveillance remains in force in case of any possible case.
The agency noted that the virus has an incubation period of 4 to 8 days, the onset is sudden, it generally presents symptoms such as fever, headache, bone and/or joint pain, chills, and sometimes nausea. accompanied by persistent vomiting for up to 5 to 7 days, and occasionally aseptic meningitis may occur.
However, most cases recover within seven days and in some patients convalescence may take weeks.
It should be noted that in the country, a study published at the end of 2022, carried out by the National University of Colombia, reported 87 cases that occurred between 2019 and 2021, in four cities of the country: Cúcuta (3 cases), Cali (3 cases ), Leticia (43 cases) and Villavicencio (38 cases), which were identified through retrospective laboratory analysis of samples from cases of acute febrile illness. The cases were confirmed by the laboratory at its headquarters in Medellín and its results were corroborated by the National Reference Laboratory of the National Institute of Health in 2023.
The department’s Health Secretary also recommended that citizens take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
He also urged the identification and elimination of vector development and resting places, by avoiding the accumulation of waste that serves as mosquito reproduction and resting sites; Likewise, monitor the filling or drainage of water, ponds or temporary flooding sites that can serve as oviposition sites for females and breeding grounds for mosquito larvae; also eliminate weeds around the houses.
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