PAHO Issues Alert as Oropouche Virus Outbreak Hits Brazil, Latin America; Two Deaths Reported

Aug 5, 2024, 07:50 PM

An outbreak of the Oropouche virus in Brazil has prompted the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to issue an epidemiological alert for Latin America. The alert follows a significant rise in cases and the occurrence of deaths, including two deaths, potential fetal deaths, and newborn microcephaly. The PAHO has upgraded the regional risk level to 'high' due to the recent increase and expansion of cases. Brazilian officials are investigating the virus's role in fetal deaths and microcephaly reports. The Oropouche virus, which is spread by midges and mosquitoes, has been described by experts as a 'wake-up call' for the region.