In recent years, the Oropush virus, which is considered a mysterious disease, has begun to manifest itself more and more often in different corners of the world, causing anxiety in scientists. The last study found that by mutilating, it began to pose a more global and deadly threat, in particular through the expansion of the range of spread.
The virus, which is transmitted mainly through the bites of the midges, has long caused anxiety in Latin America. However, recent outbreaks, in particular in Brazil, where more than 8,000 cases have been confirmed this year, have testified to new alarm changes. For the first time, cases of the disease are also registered in Cuba, the US and Europe, which indicates the expansion of the virus, including urban areas where it has not met before.
Symptoms of Oropush fever are usually mild - fever, headache, nausea - but more severe cases were also recorded, accompanied by encephalitis and meningitis. This year the virus has already led to the death of two young, healthy women. Another serious problem is the possibility of transmitting the virus from the mother to the fetus, which can cause congenital defects and stillbirths.
A recent study conducted by William de Saza from the University of Kentucky and published in The Lanacet Infection of Diseasees has revealed genetic changes in the virus that make it potentially more virulent and dangerous for infected cells. Scientists associate the spread of the virus in urban areas with climatic changes and the invasion of humans into the natural environment of wild animals, which are carriers of the disease.
With fever and rainfall, favorable conditions are created for the virus -tolerated midges. Forestry and urbanization lead to closer contact with wildlife people such as sloths and primates.
One of the most alarming aspects of the evolution of the Oropush virus is the ability to emerge new transmission paths. For example, in August in Italy, a man who returned from Cuba had a virus in the semen, indicating the potential sexual transmission. Disease control and prevention centers recommend that you avoid having sex or using condoms within six weeks after the first symptoms.
Since Oropus is associated with several cases of fetal death and anomalies during birth in Brazil, the health care system becomes more and more concerned about its danger. While scientists are trying to understand the new characteristics of the virus and the ways of its transmission, experts emphasize the importance of vigilance among the population and governments.
The need to intensify healthcare efforts becomes obvious, especially given the spread of the virus to new regions. However, according to Shahid Jamil from the University of Oxford, global attention to this problem remains insufficient due to the historical prevalence of the virus mainly in poorer countries. The lack of treatment and vaccines makes prevention extremely important, focusing on the fight against insect insects that spread this disease.
