First cases of Oropouche fever reported in Germany

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has confirmed the first cases of Oropouche fever in Germany. Two travelers contracted the disease during a Caribbean holiday.

Originally spreading in South and Central America, Oropouche fever has now reached Germany. Two travelers from Saxony and Baden-Württemberg contracted the tropical disease during a holiday in Cuba.

First cases of Oropouche fever in Germany: Infected during vacation

The disease is transmitted through the bite of the Culicoides paraensis mosquito, which carries the Oropouche virus. Symptoms appear just a few days after the bite. The holidaymakers developed symptoms while still in the Caribbean, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in its Epidemiological Bulletin on Thursday (August 1).

Both individuals had independently spent their holidays in Cuba and contracted the virus there. The infections occurred in late June and early July. “These are the first known OF patients in Germany,” said the RKI. The patients reported symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a viral rash. The RKI noted that both cases were uncomplicated.

Oropouche fever detected in Germany: Possible symptoms

According to the Tropical Institute, symptoms typically appear four to eight days after the midge bite. They are similar to those of dengue fever, which has also seen an increase in cases in Europe. Oropouche fever symptoms usually subside after three to six days.

Symptoms indicative of Oropouche fever include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Pain behind the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Rash
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mouth and nose bleeding

In severe cases, complications such as meningitis or encephalitis can occur. Recently, the first deaths from the Oropouche virus were reported in Brazil, with two young women under 30 years old succumbing to the disease. Additionally, two pregnant women miscarried due to the infection. The RKI warns that the virus may cause birth defects in unborn children.

Due to its nonspecific symptoms, Oropouche fever is challenging to diagnose. “Sporadic cases can only be identified through virological detection of the Oropouche virus,” the Tropical Institute notes. There are no specific medications or vaccines available. Most infected individuals recover without long-term effects. If no complications arise, the virus can be treated similarly to the flu with pain relievers and fever-reducing medications.

Oropouche fever arrives in Germany following outbreaks in South and Central America

Since late 2022, Oropouche fever outbreaks have increased in South and Central America. Brazil alone has reported over 7,000 cases this year. The RKI attributes the infection waves to ecological changes and climate change, while improved lab capacities have also aided in better detection.

In Europe, recent cases have been linked to travelers. Spain and Italy reported a few Oropouche cases among returnees from Cuba and Brazil. As long as the endemic infection persists in South and Central America, the RKI expects more infections in Germany.

Travelers to tropical and subtropical regions are advised to take stringent measures to protect against insect bites. Long clothing, treated mosquito nets, and insect repellent can help. The RKI advises pregnant women to avoid traveling to current outbreak areas. Alongside Oropouche fever, dengue fever is also on the rise in Europe.