Oropouche Virus Vs Dengue, zika and chikungunya: 8 key differences and how to prevent it

Symptoms typically appear 4–8 days after infection and include high fever, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms last about a week. (Image: Canva)

Brazil has recorded the world’s first Oropouche virus deaths, as confirmed by the country's health ministry. Two women have succumbed to the illness, which is spread by infected flies and mosquitoes. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report ongoing outbreaks of Oropouche in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. In 2024, Brazil has documented 7,236 cases, with the majority in the Amazonas and Rondônia states.

The Oropouche virus, while lesser-known compared to dengue, Zika and chikungunya, poses significant health risks. Understanding its differences and effective coping strategies is crucial, says Dr Ananya Sharma, dengue expert at Sukh Sagar Hospital in Indore.

8 key differences:

Virus family:

Oropouche virus: Belongs to the Peribunyaviridae family.

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya belong to the Flaviviridae (dengue and Zika) and Togaviridae (chikungunya) families.

Geographical distribution:

Oropouche virus: Primarily found in tropical regions of South America, especially Brazil, Peru, and Trinidad.

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya: Found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Primary vectors:

Oropouche virus: transmitted mainly by the midge (Culicoides paraensis).

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya: Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).

Symptoms onset and duration:

Oropouche virus: Symptoms typically appear 4–8 days after infection and include high fever, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms last about a week.

Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya: Symptoms appear 3–14 days after infection and can last from a few days (Zika) to weeks or months (Chikungunya and severe dengue cases).

Complications:

Oropouche virus: Rarely causes severe complications but can lead to meningitis and encephalitis in some cases.

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya: Can cause severe complications such as hemorrhagic fever (Dengue), congenital abnormalities (Zika), and chronic joint pain (Chikungunya).

Immune response:

Oropouche virus: Limited cross-immunity with other Bunyaviruses.

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya: Cross-reactivity can occur, especially between dengue and Zika due to similar viral structures.

Diagnosis:

Oropouche virus: Diagnosed through RT-PCR and virus isolation from blood samples.

Dengue, Zika, chikungunya: Diagnosed using RT-PCR, serological tests (IgM and IgG antibodies), and virus isolation.

Vaccine Availability:

Oropouche virus: No vaccine available.

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya: Dengue has an approved vaccine (Dengvaxia) in some countries; no vaccines are currently available for Zika and chikungunya.

Coping Strategies according to Dr Sharma are:

Preventive measures:
Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Use mosquito nets and screens to keep insects out.

Environmental control:
Eliminate standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Use larvicides in water containers that cannot be emptied.

Community awareness:
Educate communities about the signs and symptoms of these viruses.
Promote public health campaigns to reduce vector habitats.

Personal protection:
Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito-biting hours (early morning and late afternoon).
Use air conditioning or window/door screens.

Early diagnosis and treatment:
Seek medical attention if symptoms of a viral infection are noticed.
Follow medical advice for managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Travel precautions:
Before travelling to endemic areas, check for any advisories and take preventive measures.
Stay informed about the prevalence of these viruses in travel destinations.

Supportive Care:
Hydrate well, and rest if infected.
Use pain relievers like acetaminophen (avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen for dengue).

Research and surveillance:
Support ongoing research for vaccine development and improved diagnostic methods.
Participate in surveillance programmes to monitor and control outbreaks.