This week, Minas Gerais identified 72 cases of Urobuchi fever in the state. A week ago, only four cases of the disease were identified. The similarity of symptoms between Oropouche fever and other more common arboviruses can mislead patients.
The symptoms caused by sand flies are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya: headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Although the clinical picture is similar, experts warn that in the case of Obeloche fever, it is necessary to pay attention to possible complications. “Neurological conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis are some possible complications, especially in immunocompromised patients. Hemorrhagic complications may also occur,” explained Flavia Cruzeiro, a doctor at the Strategic Information Center for Health Surveillance in Minas Gerais (Cievs-MG). It is characterized by bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or red spots on the skin.
The doctor warns that one of the important characteristics of Oropouche fever, which occurs in up to 60% of cases, is the return of symptoms of the disease one to two weeks after the onset of fever.
If fever is confirmed, there are no specific antivirals for the disease. The recommended treatment aims to relieve the symptoms presented. In general, treatment lasts for one week. In more complex cases, such as neurological cases or those with bleeding, hospitalization may be necessary. In addition to rest, enhancing hydration is also indicated for the treatment of disease.
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Diagnosis is made by laboratory tests. The Minas Gerais Department of Health warns that, when testing, it is important to consider suspicion of Obloche fever in patients who show symptoms associated with the disease and who test negative for dengue, chikungunya and Zika. In the state of Minas Gerais, testing is carried out by the Central Public Health Laboratory of the Ezequiel Dias Foundation.
protection
Mosquito larvae develop in moist places, such as tropical forests, riverbanks, moist soil, tree holes, organic matter, and litter. Regarding prevention, the measures are the same as those adopted to combat dengue, Zika and chikungunya:
- Avoid areas where mosquitoes abound;
- Wear clothing that covers most of the body and apply insect repellent to exposed areas of skin.
- Keep the house clean, and remove potential mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water and accumulated leaves.
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In Minas, 30 cases were recorded in Juancia, and 26 cases were recorded in Coronel Fabriciano; 11 cases in Timothy; 2 cases in Ipatinga; One case in Gonzaga and one case in Marilia.
Three other cases were identified in Belo Horizonte, but were imported from Santa Catarina, and the state has already been notified.
