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

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.