A group of scientists led by Nigerian infectious diseases scientist at Cambridge University, United Kingdom, Dr Adewunmi Akingbola, has raised the alarm over the spread of the under-researched Oropouche virus (OROV).
The virus, which was named after the Oropouche River in Trinidad and Tobago, where it was first discovered and isolated in a lab, is an arbovirus of the Peribunyaviridae family.
The study titled “The rising concern of Oropouche fever: A call for enhanced surveillance and research in emerging arboviral threats” was published by Taylor & Francis, a UK-based academic publisher on September 23, 2024.
The scientists that contributed to the study include Akingbola of the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge; Abiodun Adegbesan of the Department of Global Health, African Cancer Institute, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Olajide Ojo of the University of the West of England, United Kingdom.
Others are Angel Ezendu of the Department of Internal Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria & Mayowa Shekoni of the Department of Community Health and Primary Healthcare, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Nigeria.
Speaking with Tribune Online on their findings, Akingbola disclosed that the study also investigated the clinical similarities between Oropouche fever and other arboviruses, which often lead to diagnostic difficulties and mismanagement in affected regions.
He added that the virus, which causes Oropouche fever, an acute febrile disease historically endemic to the amazons of southern and central America, is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of the Culicoidesparaensismidge, which is naturally found in forests and areas with water bodies, or the Culex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes.
Akingbola also said that Oropouche fever is a neglected tropical disease, adding that despite being in existence for over 60 years, there is a sizable knowledge gap concerning its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
The study called for coordinated international efforts to address the rising threat of the virus including comprehensive public health measures to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact of this emerging disease, considering its rapid spread and potential for global transmission.
It added that enhanced surveillance and the development of accessible diagnostics, vaccines, and treatment options are critical to containing OROV and preventing further outbreaks.
The scientists observed that the virus, which has spread to new areas in Cuba and Colombia, has caused over 500,000 cases in Brazil alone, with recent outbreaks reporting fatalities, suspected vertical transmission, and potential associations with microcephaly in newborns.
“Underreporting and limited surveillance have likely led to the underestimation of the true burden of Oropouche fever.
“Current diagnostic methods, such as serology and RT-PCR, are often inaccessible in low-resource settings, further complicating efforts to control the spread of the virus.
“The study highlights the importance of improving diagnostic capacity, enhancing surveillance, and conducting further research into vector control, antiviral treatments, and vaccine development,” they said in the study.
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