Two women from Brazil, under the age of 30 years, became the first humans to die from Oropouche in the world to die due to Oropouche fever
Outbreaks of the fever were reported in parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Cuba
The disease is caused by Orthobunyavirus oropoucheense virus. The fever is spread by the bite of infected midges and mosquitoes. The virus is not transmitted directly from human to human
Symptoms are similar to dengue and include headache, fever, muscle pains, nausea, vomiting and chills. In severe cases, it can even cause meningitis
There are no medicines to treat the disease. According to CDC, supportive care is recommended for the clinical management of patients
Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has warned about rising cases of the virus in parts of the Americas. The virus causing the Oropouche fever was first identified in Brazil in 1960
Outbreaks were reported in Amazon regions, and Central and South American countries like Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela
To prevent the spread: wear long clothing, use repellents, avoid areas with mosquitoes and use mosquito nets on doors and windows