Aetiology
Oropouche virus (OROV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus belonging to the genus Orthobunyavirus and the family Bunyaviridae, which is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. OROV has been identified as the causative agent of Oropouche fever, an acute febrile illness characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia and rash.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of OROV infection is based on laboratory testing for the presence of OROV-specific IgM antibodies in the serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays can be used to detect OROV RNA in clinical specimens.
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of OROV infection includes other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya. It is also important to consider other causes of fever, such as leptospirosis and typhoid fever.
Treatment
Treatment of OROV infection is largely supportive and includes rest, hydration, and fever and pain control with paracetamol.
Prognosis
The prognosis of OROV infection is generally good, with most cases resolving within 2-3 weeks. Complications are rare but can include hepatitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis.