Three residents of the Canary Islands have been diagnosed with the Oropouche virus after returning from a vacation in Cuba, according to sources from the Canary Islands Health Service.
The infected individuals include two men from Tenerife, aged 52 and 36, and a 32-year-old woman from Gran Canaria. It remains unclear whether they are Spanish citizens or Cuban emigrants who traveled to visit family.
A statement reveals that the travelers exhibited symptoms such as fever and joint pain after their return and are currently being monitored by local health authorities.
Although the patients are stable and have not required hospitalization, the Directorate General of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) has activated surveillance and prevention protocols, especially in the areas where the cases were detected.
These measures include the review of three additional possible cases currently under investigation, with results expected soon from the National Center for Microbiology, the report states.
The Oropouche virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is known to cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, joint and muscle pains, and in some cases, meningitis. Although generally not fatal, it can lead to serious complications if not properly treated, warned Canary Islands authorities.
Authorities have also emphasized the need for caution for those traveling to areas where the virus is endemic, including parts of Latin America such as Brazil, Peru, and now Cuba, which reported its first cases a few months ago, and the virus has since spread across the country.
In June, Italian authorities diagnosed the first European case of Oropouche fever in a patient who had recently traveled to Cuba. As of August 12, the number of infected individuals in Europe had risen to 19, most of whom had traveled to the Caribbean island, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
In the latest update on the disease's behavior, the ECDC confirmed that 12 imported cases of Oropouche virus disease have been reported in Spain between June and July, all linked to travel to Cuba or Brazil.
Understanding the Risks and Spread of the Oropouche Virus
In light of the recent cases of Oropouche virus among travelers returning from Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you understand the risks and spread of this virus.
What is the Oropouche virus?
The Oropouche virus is a disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, causing symptoms such as fever, headaches, joint and muscle pains, and sometimes meningitis.
How can travelers protect themselves from the Oropouche virus?
Travelers can protect themselves by using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with proper mosquito control measures.
What should you do if you exhibit symptoms after traveling to an affected area?
If you exhibit symptoms such as fever and joint pain after traveling to an affected area, seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers of your recent travel history.
Is the Oropouche virus fatal?
The Oropouche virus is generally not fatal, but it can cause serious complications if not properly treated.