The Ministry of Health confirmed on Thursday (25) two deaths from Oropouche Fever in the country. Until then, there had been no reports in the world’s scientific literature about deaths from the disease. The disease is transmitted mainly by the mosquito known as “maruim” or “gun-powder mosquito”, and has symptoms similar to dengue fever, but in general, the cases are of low severity.
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Confirmed Deaths
The confirmed deaths were of women from the interior of Bahia, under 30 years old, with no comorbidities. They presented symptoms similar to a case of severe dengue fever. The deaths occurred in May and June of this year, but several tests had to be performed to confirm the cause of death.
The state is facing an outbreak of the disease. According to the Bahia State Health Department (Sesab), 835 cases have been confirmed since March.
Cases Under Investigation in Brazil
According to the Ministry of Health, in 2024, 7,236 cases of Oropouche Fever were recorded in 20 Brazilian states. Most of the cases were recorded in Amazonas and Rondônia.
The ministry is investigating one death from the disease in Santa Catarina. In Pernambuco, the State Department of Health is investigating if the infection by the disease was caused by the termination of four pregnancies.
Symptoms
According to the Health Ministry, the symptoms of the disease are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya: headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Sources: G1.
